Australian Human Rights Commission

‘Left alone’: a review of solitary confinement and similar practices in Australia’s youth justice systems

A review of solitary confinement and similar practices in youth detention in Australia. The report finds these practices cause serious harm, breach international human rights standards and disproportionately affect First Nations children and children with disability. It makes 24 recommendations to prohibit solitary confinement, strengthen safeguards and ensure youth justice systems adopt trauma-informed, rights-based approaches.

Solitary confinement and similar practices – often referred to as ‘isolation’, ‘separation’, ‘segregation’ or ‘exclusion’ – are documented across youth detention centres and adult prisons holding children in Australia.

The report draws on:

• a review of legislation in all states and territories
• survey responses from over 20 oversight, legal and human rights bodies
• international benchmarks and standards f...