The treatment of juvenile offenders in the colony of New South Wales reflected the system of criminal law inherited from the United Kingdom.

The law of Australia at that time was heavily influenced by the social norms of English society.

The Commission also noted that on one day in 1815, five children aged between eight and 12 years were hanged for petty larceny in England.

The court was set up in light of the widespread poverty and child neglect at that time.

[4][5] Most of its functions were moved to a purpose-built facility as part of the Parramatta Justice Precinct in 2006.

Until its repeal in 1998, the Children (Care and Protection) Act 1987 also covered the operations of the Court.