Number of NSW children in youth detention up by one third, new data shows

<p>As Minns government seeks to extend controversial laws that make it harder for young people to get bail, experts warn locking up more kids will not curb crime</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/feb/17/australia-news-live-victoria-police-sydney-trains-industrial-action-interest-rates-election-campaign-cost-of-living-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></li><li>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></li></ul><p>Children are increasingly being held in youth detention after being refused bail in New South Wales, according to new data, as experts warn locking up more young people will not curb crime.</p><p>The data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (Bocsar) found 225 young people were in custody in December 2024 – up 54 on the year before. The number of young Indigenous Australians in youth detention increased by almost 22% to 129.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/18/nsw-youth-detention-children-custody-bail-laws-bocsar-data-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>