From the Board’s inception on 1 July 2020 to 24 February 2026, 30 child death review reports have been received from the department responsible for youth justice.
This data report draws upon the life and death circumstances of the young people, as recorded in agency review reports and agency records. It aims to give an understanding of the challenges the young people faced in their lives, their vulnerability, and their needs. Examples of the individual experiences of young people are included throughout the data report to bring further context and perspective.
The cumulative impacts of adversity and disadvantage can steer young people to a life trajectory more likely to include youth offending, instability and poorer health and wellbeing outcomes. The data report explores the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) across the cohort. Understanding the prevalence of adversity in childhood and the trauma responses that can follow, is foundational to fostering a comprehensive, responsive and effective youth justice system. This data report has been used to inform the Board’s thematic review, Therapeutic and trauma-informed
responses to young people in contact with the Youth Justice system. It honours the lives of the 30 young people subject to a review by Youth Justice since the Child Death Review Board’s inception. We acknowledge the grief and loss of the family, friends, broader community and the professionals who worked with the children and their families.