The number of children in detention in New South Wales has climbed more than 30 percent in two years, driven by a spike in break-and-enter charges and prompting warnings from the state’s crime statistics agency.
Latest figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show 234 minors are now in youth detention centres—up 34 percent since 2023—with nearly three in four still awaiting trial.
BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgerald described the trend as “really problematic,” especially for Aboriginal children.
“Currently, nearly 3 in 4 young people in custody have not been convicted and are awaiting their day in court,” she said on Aug. 14.
Aboriginal Overrepresentation Deepens
Aboriginal children now make up 60 percent of the youth detention population, one of the highest proportions NSW has ever recorded. Their numbers have risen 36 percent in two years.
Among Aboriginal youth, break-and-enter charges account for 86 percent of the increase. Statewide, the number of minors in custody for break-and-enter offences has jumped 229 percent, from 17 in June 2023 to 56 in June 2025.
Nearly one in four youth detainees is now held for the offence.
“From 2010 to 2021, NSW saw a steady decline in the number of young people in custody. That trend has now reversed,” Fitzgerald said.
This places NSW at odds with our Closing the Gap target to reduce the number of Aboriginal young people in detention.
