Youth Justice Bail Service
The Youth Justice Bail Service assists a young person to meet their obligations to the Court, for example, providing supervision to the young person, coordinating case management supports and reminding young people of court attendance.
Enhanced Bail Supervision and Support
The Enhanced Bail Supervision and Support (EBSS), commencing on 22 April 2025, is a two-year trial of enhanced bail supervision and support for young people in Youth Justice (including the capacity to electronically monitor young people). EBSS is designed for young people assessed by Youth Justice to present with a high-risk of bail non-compliance or re-offending.
What is electronic monitoring, and how does it work?
Some young people on EBSS may be subject to electronic monitoring of certain court conditions. Electronic monitoring can only be used to monitor a young person’s compliance with:
- a curfew, and/or
- a geographic exclusion zone.
A young person’s compliance with these conditions is electronically monitored through a SmartTag, a GPS-enabled device worn on the ankle.
The SmartTag works by transmitting alerts to the Electronic Monitoring Service if a condition is breached, or if a technical issue occurs with the SmartTag. For example, an alert may be generated if:
- a young person does not return to their approved residence by their curfew time
- a young person enters an exclusion zone
- a young person tries to remove the SmartTag
- the SmartTag has a low battery and needs charging.
Who can be placed on electronic monitoring?
Young people can only be placed on electronic monitoring if:
they are appearing before metropolitan venues of the Children’s Court or Supreme Court, and
are being bailed to reside in metropolitan Melbourne.
Before placing a young person on electronic monitoring, the court must consider a suitability report prepared by Youth Justice. This suitability report includes detailed information regarding the young person’s circumstances, and considers any cultural, disability, mental health or sensory needs.
What happens if electronic monitoring conditions are breached?
The SmartTag alerts the Electronic Monitoring Service when there is a potential breach of curfew and/or exclusion zone conditions, or a technological issue with the SmartTag.
The Electronic Monitoring Service then advises Youth Justice. Youth Justice determine the most appropriate response, based on the nature of the alert and the risk to the young person and/or community. In some circumstances, Youth Justice will escalate high-risk alerts to Victoria Police for a response.
If a young person is confirmed to have breached electronic monitoring conditions, this will be reported to Victoria Police as soon as practicable and to the Court when the young person next appears before the Court.
What additional supports are given to young people subject to electronic monitoring?
Youth Justice is responsible to ensure that all young people subject to electronic monitoring will receive enhanced case management supports. These include:
A dedicated team of Youth Justice professionals, including a Youth Justice Case Manager, Case Officer and Practice Lead
After Hours and family support
Therapeutic programs to address the underlying causes of offending behaviour
Case consultations and care team coordination
Cultural supports and lived experience mentoring.
When a young person is subject to electronic monitoring
Electronic monitoring is a tool to enhance accountability for bail compliance, support young people to comply with bail conditions and improve community safety.
It allows for early identification and intervention regarding breaches of bail. Electronic monitoring is always paired with enhanced case management supports, to ensure young people are supported to comply with their bail order.
Electronic monitoring may present challenges for young people including stress or experiences of stigmatisation. They may have difficulty managing the SmartTag and charging requirements.
The Youth Justice Care team members can support young people with these challenges by communicating with the young person, their family and Youth Justice about their experiences on electronic monitoring.
How Youth Justice Care Team members support young people on electronic monitoring
Youth Justice Care teams play a critical role in supporting young people to comply with electronic monitoring and their bail plan.
Care team members can support young people by:
Assisting the young person to understand electronic monitoring and encouraging them to comply with their electronic monitoring conditions.
Working with other care team members to implement supports and strategies to assist the young person.
Being aware of the signs of frustration or disengagement displayed by the young person and working with Youth Justice to address these concerns.
Supporting the young person to develop routines to manage their SmartTag, including charging routines.
Sharing observations and concerns with the Youth Justice Case Manager to ensure a coordinated response to issues.
Enhanced Bail Supervision and Support – advice
Enhanced Bail Supervision - procedure
Youth Justice Bail After-Hours Service – service description