Children’s Court of Victoria

What the Children’s Court does

The Children’s Court has two divisions. The Criminal Division hears charges against children and young people, and the Family Division deals with child protection and family violence intervention orders involving children. Proceedings are closed to the public and the media cannot identify a child involved.

Diversion and sentencing

The court must consider the young person’s rehabilitation and circumstances. Options include:

• Children’s Court Youth Diversion, which avoids a finding of guilt
• Dismissal, good behaviour bonds and fines
• Probation and youth supervision orders
• Youth Control Orders
• Youth attendance orders
• Youth justice centre orders (detention), as a last resort

Adult time for violent crime

Under laws passed in December 2025, children aged 14 and over charged with certain serious violent offences, including aggravated home invasion, aggravated carjacking and serious injury offences involving extreme violence, can be tried in the County Court and face adult maximum penalties. Murder, manslaughter, arson causing death and culpable driving causing death were already heard in adult courts.

Children’s Court locations

• Melbourne Children’s Court: 477 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
• Broadmeadows Children’s Court: Corner Pearcedale Parade & Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows VIC 3047
• Dandenong Children’s Court: 153 Foster Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
• Moorabbin Children’s Court: 1140 Nepean Highway, Highett VIC 3190
• Wyndham Children’s Court: 17 Basalt Road, Werribee VIC 3030

A Children’s Koori Court operates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Parents and guardians

A parent or guardian should usually attend court with a young person. We explain the process in plain language to both the young person and their family.