Legal Aid WA’s new Geraldton Youth Bail Service is now operational, supporting vulnerable young people who come into contact with the criminal justice system by offering holistic, wraparound services.
The support provided includes assistance with transport, accommodation, education and training and appointment reminders to help young people comply with their bail conditions. The Geraldton Youth Bail Service also provides referrals to health, welfare and justice-related programs and ongoing case management to reduce the risk of further contact with the criminal justice system, and promote long-term positive outcomes for young people and their families.
The service was officially launched alongside an extension of the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA’s Youth Engagement Program into Geraldton. Together, these services will provide tailored support for young people aged 10 to 17 years to meet bail conditions and address underlying causes of offending behaviour.
Western Australia’s Attorney General, Hon Dr Buti MLA officiated the launch of both services in Geraldton. "By supporting young people to meet their bail conditions, we are helping to break cycles of disadvantage and build safer, stronger communities,” he said.
Our Geraldton Youth Bail Service team are Geraldton locals who have a deep understanding of local culture, and are passionate about making their community a safer, better place. To support their young clients they are drawing on their existing relationships with local schools, sporting teams and community groups, while growing this network and linking in additional organisations to provide activities for young people to make positive connections and contributions in the Geraldton community.
One of Legal Aid WA’s core values is to be client-centred, ensuring that we put the client at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is echoed by Director of Legal Aid WA Helen de Brito, who said "We know from running similar programs in Perth that providing wraparound support during the bail period and beyond can help people comply with bail, avoid re-offending and improve their personal circumstances."
Once established in the Mid West region, the Youth Bail Service will be introduced in metropolitan Perth in 2026.