In-Roads
In-Roads is a therapeutic court of the Children's Court of Western Australia. It is for young people between 10 and 17 years old who are facing a term of immediate detention.
The courtroom aims to be a safe environment. The court works with other agencies in a trauma-informed and holistic approach.
In-Roads is for young people who have unmet complex needs. Young people receive individual support to achieve ongoing positive change. The program provides support that continues after the court process. Young people must be found suitable for this program.
Criteria
To take part in In-Roads the young person must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 10 and 17 years old.
- Facing an immediate term of detention.
- Enter pleas of guilty or indicate pleas of guilty to all or most of the offences before the court.
- Accept responsibility for their offending behaviour.
- Be willing to take part in programs.
- Live with or might be living with neurodiversity or disability. Or an unmet need which might be impacting upon reoffending.
The young person will NOT be considered for In-Roads if:
- They will be over 18 by the end of the program and cannot be sentenced as a juvenile.
- Behaviour or personal situations that will stop them from participating.
- Detention will be the only available sentencing option at the finish of InRoads.
If you would like to be considered for In-Roads talk to your lawyer or youth justice officer. The court has limited spaces available.
The team works together to create an individual support plan. The plan will address the different needs of each young person. The plan will include education, mentoring, health, disability, and cultural needs.
Young people and their families are involved in creating the individual plan. This builds confidence in a stronger, brighter future. Participants also gain an understanding of the reasons for their offending.
The team will connect young people with services to support them in reaching their goals.
Long-term community-based support networks will be established. This support network continues after the court process has finished. It will help reduce the risk of young people reoffending in the future.
Participation in this court is voluntary. Participants can leave the program at any time. The proposed timeframe for the young person taking part in the program is six months. This may be extended based on the needs of the young person.
If they leave the program, they will be sentenced. Sentencing will give full credit for any progress made while in the program.
Successful participants will likely receive positive sentencing outcomes that avoid terms of detention. Sentencing options can range from no further punishment to a Conditional Release Order.
In-Roads is not a typical courtroom. The magistrate sits on the same level as the young person. It feels like sitting around a table together. The team tries to create a safe and welcoming space. There is artwork on the walls from other young people, Aboriginal art, and other resources. Each court day begins with an acknowledgment of Country.
Magistrate Farmer is the magistrate for the In-Roads court. She encourages the young people to share their views and goals. She celebrates the good things they have done. When needed she talks to them in an honest and open way about how they can do things better.
Everybody in the court uses plain language. They are careful to make sure that the young people understand what is being said and asked of them.
There are many agencies that play a part in the support.
Youth Justice
- Assessing young people to make sure they are suitable.
- Providing case management and monitoring participation.
Department of Communities - Target 120 Plus
- Youth mentoring.
- Individual support plans and integrated family plans.
- Connection to family, community and culture.
Department of Health - Health Navigator
- Help participants and their families to connect them to health services.
- Improve health literacy for participants and families.
- Provide coordinated ongoing management on the participants health needs.
Department of Education
- Education support services.
- Connecting young people to alternative education options.
Legal Aid Western Australia
- Legal advice and assistance.
- NDIS application support.
Phase One - Stabilisation
During the first six weeks the team will work with the young person to address their most critical needs. They will get them in a position where they can take part in the InRoads program.
Phase Two - Case Management Plan
The plan will make sure decisions are informed and focused on reducing the risk of reoffending. It will identify programs that are appropriate, effective, timely and targeted to the young person's needs.
Phase Three - Maintain and Track
The team will support the young person to work towards achieving their goals and finishing the requirements of their plan. It will give the young person an opportunity to establish routines and show the team that they can maintain their progress over a period of time.
It will also allow the team to support the young person and teach them ways to cope with setbacks.
Phase Four - Create Leaving Plan
The team will work with the young person and their family to ensure they are linked with long term local community supports. People who can continue to provide support and help where required will be identified.
The leaving plan will show the young person's goals for the future and provide a list of contact numbers for community supports and services.
Graduation
A graduation is a huge occasion that occurs when participants successfully achieve their goals.
It is an acknowledgment of "You did it!" A graduation ceremony will be organised, and the participant can invite their responsible person.
Last updated: 4 September 2025