Alarming Rise in Detained Children Under 14 in Queensland's Watch Houses

A recent report presented to the Queensland parliament has revealed a staggering 50% increase in the number of children aged 13 and under held in adult watch houses over the past year. The statistics show that 120 children aged between 10 and 13 spent at least one night in a police watch house during the 2023–24 period, up from the previous year.

Watch houses, designed primarily for holding violent adults temporarily, have been criticized as "inadequate" and "harmful" environments for young people. The Queensland Family and Child Commission has previously stated that such facilities can be traumatizing for minors. Concerns regarding overcrowding and the treatment of children in these facilities have also been raised, with many young detainees experiencing prolonged stays and a decline in mental health.

In total, the report indicated that 675 children aged 17 or under were detained for more than four consecutive nights, an increase from 640 the previous year. Public advocates stress that many of these children have not been convicted of any crime and are often on remand, highlighting systemic failures in the youth justice system.

Katherine Hayes, CEO of the Youth Advocacy Centre, expressed deep concern regarding the conditions faced by these children, stating that the current situation reflects neglect on the part of the state, which serves as their guardian. The newly elected Premier David Crisafulli has promised to address these issues, but acknowledges that his government's laws may result in more children facing extended periods of detention in the short term.

As of this week, 33 children were reported to be in watch houses, with 24 being from First Nations backgrounds. The ongoing use of these facilities for young detainees has faced legal challenges, with the state supreme court deeming it unlawful last year, a ruling that the state parliament later retroactively overturned.