Boy, 16, held in ‘cramped’ prison cell alone for 22 hours a day for weeks, Victorian ombudsman finds
Summary
A 16-year-old boy was kept in a small prison cell alone for 22 hours a day in an adult prison in Victoria, Australia, which caused him to have suicidal thoughts. A Victorian ombudsman report found that the Department of Justice violated the boy’s human rights when moving him from a youth facility to an adult prison.Key Facts
- The boy was moved from Parkville Youth Justice Precinct to Melbourne Assessment Prison in early 2025 after violent behavior.
- He spent about 22 hours a day in a cramped, worn cell for six weeks, a condition similar to solitary confinement.
- He had no in-person family visits and was handcuffed even during outside time because of his history of violence.
- The boy reported feeling hopeless and suffering from dark thoughts, including suicidal ideas.
- Meals were eaten alone in the cell, and he was denied a cup by a guard, drinking water straight from the tap.
- Victorian law allows children aged 15 or older to be moved to adult prisons only as a last resort.
- The ombudsman and children’s rights officials said the boy’s human rights were not properly considered during the transfer.
- The ombudsman made eight recommendations, including banning child transfers to adult prisons, but the government rejected this ban.
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