Legislation

Children and Young People ACT 2008

The Children & Young People Act 2008 Legislation was passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly on 1 July 2008 and will commence over the next few months.

The detail of the Act addresses how our community deals with child protection, young offenders, childcare services and the employment of children.

The Act reforms the law about the care, protection and wellbeing of children in the Territory. It aims to address questions such as:

"How do we protect our children and young people?"
"How do we establish a framework that seeks to support them?"
"How do we provide for the unique needs of young people in the criminal justice system?"
"How do we position our regulatory framework as the best?"

The Act is about fulfilling our duty, as a whole community, towards our children.

Commencement Dates

On 9 September 2008 the provisions relating to youth justice commence providing new measures to ensure safety, security and good order at Bimberi, the new youth justice centre. There is a primary focus on rehabilitation, flexibility and consistency in sentencing young offenders.

On 27 October 2008 provisions commence relating to the care and protection of children and young people including parental responsibility, out of home care, the Official Visitor, family group conferences, enforcement, appeals and review and information sharing.

On 27 February 2009 the remaining provisions commence relating to the administration of community youth justice, childcare services, employment of children and young people, the Children and Youth Services Council and research involving children and young people.

The Children and Young People Act 1999 is then repealed.

Explanatory guide to the Act

Overview of changes in the Act

Overview of key changes in the Act 180Kb
Overview of key changes in the Act 60Kb