[2] The first Youth Koori Court was initially established as a pilot program in Parramatta in 2015, in response to the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in the criminal justice system in New South Wales.
With the assistance of elders and other respected people from the communities, the Youth Koori Court seeks first to identify risk factors, such as homelessness, disengagement from education, drug and alcohol or other health issues that may be affecting the young person's involvement with the criminal justice system.
Several actions follow:[3] It is an alternative to the main judicial system, providing an optional diversionary pathway for Aboriginal children and young people.
According to a 2018 media release:[2]The Youth Koori Court brings Elders or respected Aboriginal community members, lawyers and police around a table to discuss the issues that may be impacting a young person's offending behaviour.
It puts sensible, tailored plans in place for each offender to encourage connection with family, community and culture to stop anti-social behaviour from escalating.