By Talk to a Lawyer · Published 19 September 2026 · 4 minute read
A young person facing police contact or criminal proceedings needs advice suited to their age, circumstances and jurisdiction. A parent or carer may help arrange contact, but the lawyer must clarify the young person's representation and instructions. State the person's age, location and whether there is an interview, custody issue or court date.
Read. Prepare. Find an office.
Use this guide to organise your questions, then confirm the provider’s experience, availability and first-stage fee.
Find youth justice providers →Arrange communication the young person can use
Explain language, disability, learning or other support needs at intake. Ask how the lawyer will explain the process and check understanding, and what role a parent or support person can have. Avoid assuming that adult criminal procedures or informal family advice provide the right answer for a young person's situation.
Gather documents and existing support information
Provide notices, charges, bail conditions and court papers. Identify school, care or support arrangements relevant to practical planning, while asking how sensitive information should be shared. If child-protection proceedings also exist, disclose them so the adviser can distinguish the two systems and coordinate help where appropriate.
Understand the next step and continuing obligations
Ask who will attend, how the young person gets to the appointment or court and what preparation is needed. Have conditions explained in concrete terms and clarify how questions or changes should be raised. Ask about legal aid and specialist youth services, as well as the scope of any private engagement and later appearances.
Prepare the appointment around understanding and participation
Ask the young person what helps them understand information and what they are worried about, without coaching an account of the allegation. Tell the office about support needs and practical barriers before the meeting. Request explanations of the next event, who will be present and what the young person is expected to do. A useful follow-up note can record confirmed dates and obligations in accessible language. The lawyer should clarify what information can be shared with parents or carers and how support can be provided appropriately.
Compare the scope and cost of advice
Tell the office the next police, court or response date before arranging a routine appointment. Compare quotes for the same stage and confirm who will actually attend. A fee for one appearance may not include an evidence review, a later hearing or an appeal. Ask about legal aid or other assistance where relevant and obtain clear confirmation that the lawyer has accepted the work.
- Immediate advice
- Confirm availability for the relevant location and time, how confidential instructions are taken and which current orders or conditions must be supplied first.
- Preparation
- Ask what records will be reviewed, whether further material is needed and how advice will be explained before you make a procedural or plea decision.
- Attendance and later stages
- Clarify the specific appearance covered, possible additional attendances, counsel and travel costs, and who communicates the outcome and next obligations.
Read the guide to consultation fees and written quotes, or use the provider comparison worksheet.
Illustrative situation · not a client result
What a focused enquiry looks like
A carer arranges help before a young person's first appearance and explains communication needs. The lawyer can then plan an accessible consultation and clarify how the carer can support attendance without speaking over the client.
Your preparation checklist
Gather what you already have. Mark missing records and uncertain dates rather than guessing; ask the office what it needs before sending sensitive documents.
0 of 4 gathered · ticks reset when you leave this page.
A preparation aid, not confirmation that a legal requirement is complete.
A first enquiry you can adapt
I am arranging advice for a young person aged [age] in [location]. The matter is at [police or court stage], with a date of [date]. They need [communication or other support]. Can you confirm youth-law experience, representation and available assistance?
Replace the bracketed details with accurate information. Keep the first message brief and confirm a secure channel for the full records.
Common questions about youth justice
Can a parent give all instructions for the young person?
The lawyer will explain the client's role, capacity, confidentiality and appropriate support; parental involvement is not a substitute for clarifying representation.
Is a children's court matter always criminal?
No. Care and protection and criminal matters are distinct. Tell the office what the documents say and whether both are involved.
Further reading and scope
Children's Court of NSW: criminal matters
NSW youth criminal proceedings, distinct from care and protection.
This is general preparation information, not an assessment of your legal position. Requirements, dates and available remedies depend on the facts and jurisdiction. The linked resource has the scope described above; it does not verify an individual provider or this guide.