Legislation contained in the Young Offenders Act 1994, gives police officers the discretionary power to use diversionary options when dealing with a young person who commits an offence.
Instead of an arrest and subsequent court appearance, police officers can issue a formal written caution or refer the matter to a Juvenile Justice Team.
Where the matter is referred to a Juvenile Justice Team, the consultative process also includes a Department of Justice Juvenile Justice Team Coordinator and any other relevant persons.
No criminal conviction is recorded against the young person if police use diversionary options.
This system gives young people the opportunity to come to the realisation that there are consequences to their behaviour and that they are responsible for their own actions.
Metropolitan Juvenile Justice Teams
Team | Address | Phone number |
| Central Metro Youth Justice Services | 3 Walcott Street Mount Lawley WA 6050 | Phone: 9227 2500 Fax: 9328 2057 |
| South-West Metro Youth Justice Services Cockburn | Units 1-4 27 Tamara Drive Yangebup WA 6164 | Phone: 9412 3300 Fax: 9412 3333 |
| South-West Metro Youth Justice Services Rockingham | Unit 2/3 Benjamin Way Rockingham WA 6168 | Phone: 9528 8400 Fax: 9528 1948 |
| South-East Metro Youth Justice Services | 100 Welshpool Road Welshpool WA 6106 | Phone: 9334 6000 Fax: 9334 6060 |
| North Metro Youth Justice Services | 5 Milldale Way, Mirrabooka WA 6061 | Phone: 6241 5600 Fax: 9243 4253 |
