Youth Justice COVID-19 visitation rules

Family and social visits to Youth Justice Centres have resumed, however, restrictions may be reintroduced based on advice from NSW Health. 

Family and visitors should check to see what restrictions are currently in place at the centre they wish to visit by calling the centre directly. 

Family members concerned about a young person in custody should contact 1300 135 330. 

COVID-19 is always changing the way how Youth Justice operates, including how many visitors can visit a young person at any one time. The table below is the latest information regarding visitor numbers: 

All visits to Youth Justice Centres must be pre-booked prior to arrival. The visiting hours of Youth Justice Centres differ from facility to facility, and some centres require people to book at least 48 hours in advance of their visit. It is strongly advised that visitors check the relevant Youth Justice Centre page for contact details and opening times.    

The Youth Justice Officer will give the person making the booking the following information at the time of booking:  

• the latest COVID-19 guidelines 
• vaccination requirements including the evidence that needs to be provided on the day of the visit 
• information about Rapid Antigen Testing and entry screening processes
• visit guidelines and rules - including no food or drink during visits
• mask wearing - all visitors over the age of 5 must wear a surgical mask for the duration of the visit.

On the day of the visit, each person visiting will undergo the following COVID-19 checks and precautions: 

• booking and approval of booking confirmation checked
• identification and current contact details provided and checked 
• QR check-in 
• vaccination status check 
• COVID-19 screening 
• given a surgical mask to wear at all times during their visit 
• standard centre screening questions.

COVID-19 Screening 

Where Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) is in place at a Youth Justice Centre, a supervised negative RAT will be required in line with RAT processes for all visitors aged 5 and above. Testing is to be supervised by Youth Justice staff but self-administered by the visitors.

Visitors under 5 are NOT required to be RAT tested or wear a surgical mask.

Visitors can provide a medical certificate or Service NSW notice confirming the date of persons clearance from COVID-19 infection to confirm they are exempt from testing for 12 weeks, as per the Public Health Order guidelines.

Maintaining COVID safety during the visit

A Youth Justice Officer will monitor all visits to ensure that young offenders and their visitors are following the below COVID-19 rules: 

• 1.5 metres social distancing for all people, including all children 
• wearing of masks properly (covering nose and mouth) 
• hand hygiene is practiced.

People visiting the centre are not allowed to bring food or drinks to the centre. Vending machines and water bubblers will be out of order, and children's toys, as well as books, will not be available to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

It is also preferable that visits take place in an outdoor area of the centre. These visits will still be monitored.

Young offenders and their visitors are allowed one hug at the start, and one hug at the end of each visit.  

At the end of the visit

At the end of the visit, both young offenders and visitors are required to dispose of the mask and sanitise their hands according to guidelines provided by the centre.  

To gain entry into the centre, visitors must pass the regular security screening process and COVID-19 screening processes. Visitors will not be allowed into the centre if they: 

• have any COVID-19 symptoms 
• refuse a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at the point of entry 
• if anyone they have travelled with tests positive to a RAT
• have been exposed to COVID-19, unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements 
• are awaiting a COVID-19 test result
• have a medical contraindication certificate or exemption regarding vaccination, or the wearing of face masks. 

Other people not allowed in the centre include people who have been overseas in the previous 14 days unless they: 

• are fully vaccinated 
• have been in Australia for more than 7 days 
• have received a negative RAT 6 days or later after arriving in NSW. 

Visitors who refuse to answer any screening question or who cannot provide acceptable evidence of triple vaccination will not be permitted to enter. 

Visitors may provide a medical certificate or Service NSW notice confirming the clearance date from COVID-19 infection to confirm they are exempt from testing for 12 weeks, as per the relevant Public Health Order.  

Any requests for consideration for ‘Exception’ to the above visit requirements must be risk assessed and forwarded to YJC19CommandPost@justice.nsw.gov.au   

Details for any ‘Exceptions’ will be provided to Population Health for recommendation and advice. The consultation outcomes will be provided to the Director of Custodial Services for final approval. 

Any breach of COVID-19 guidelines is to be reported to the Duty Manager or Centre Management. Management will discuss the incident with the young person and visitors involved and take appropriate action. This action may include considering non-contact visits (virtual or boxed) as an alternative for a specified period for the person who has breached the COVID-19 guidelines.