Rules for visiting a youth detention centre

Part of the Youth detention topic

Understand the rules you must follow when visiting a youth detention centre in Queensland.


In short

There are certain rules you must follow when visiting a youth detention centre.

These rules help you understand:

  • what you can bring inside the youth detention centre
  • how you need to dress
  • how you need to behave.

You must

When visiting a youth detention centre you must:

  • arrange your visit in advance
  • show proof of ID when entering and visiting a youth detention centre
  • enter through the metal detector
  • give us any items you want to bring in to be x-rayed
  • store your other belongings in a locker while you visit
  • wear closed-in shoes
  • wear minimal jewellery
  • follow what staff tell you to do.

You cannot

When visiting a youth in detention you cannot:

  • be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when visiting
  • wear clothing that has obscene or discriminatory words on it
  • wear shirts without sleeves, including tank tops and singlets
  • wear very tight clothing
  • wear clothing that you can see through
  • wear clothing that is revealing
  • wear stiletto heels
  • bring food when visiting a young person
  • bring gifts when visiting a young person
  • bring banned items like:
    • cigarettes
    • weapons/firearms
    • explosives/ammunition
    • knives/pocketknives/multi tools
    • other cutting/sharp-edged item or material
    • metal cutlery/utensils/scissors
    • rope/cord
    • non-prescribed or illegal drugs or drug-related items
    • lighters/matches
    • keys
    • alcohol or flammable substances
    • aerosol sprays (non-medication)
    • pornographic material.
  • bring restricted items, unless they are approved, like:
    • mobile phones
    • laptop computers/tablets
    • cameras or equipment with built-in cameras
    • recording equipment
    • DVDs, CDs and video cassettes
    • USB devices and other electronic storage media
    • hand luggage or briefcases
    • reusable containers larger than 750ml.

You can use a locker at the centre to store your personal belongings in while you visit.

Exceptions and special circumstances

You can:

  • bring money or transfer money into your child’s trust account if you are their parent or carer
  • ask the centre to provide items such as a birthday cake or barbecue food for special occasions if you are family
  • ask permission to bring restricted items into the centre.

You may be interested in

Arrange to visit a youth in detention

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