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Youth issues

This section is about common legal issues for young people in Victoria. It covers what you can and can’t do because of your age. It also has general information about your rights.

If the information you are looking for is not in this section, it may be that the law in that area is the same for young people and adults. Check whether it is in one of the other ‘Legal issues’ topics.

If you have a legal problem, there are lots of people and organisations who can help you. Some of these are listed below and on the pages in this section.

How we can help

Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) has a Youth Legal Service that provides legal information and assistance to children, young people and parents.

Call VLA’s Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals, including the Children’s court
  • advice at many correctional facilities, remand and detention centres, including the Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre, Parkville Youth Residential Centre and secure welfare facilities.

For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

Youthlaw is a community legal centre for young people up to the age of 25. Youthlaw can help with:

  • confidential legal advice, information and casework services
  • information about your legal rights and responsibilities.

See the Youthlaw website (new window), call them on (03) 9611 2412 or email info@youthlaw.asn.au.

Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25. You can speak to a counsellor on the phone at any time of the day by calling 1800 551 800.

If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone over the phone, or if you can't get to a phone, counselling is also available the Kids Help Line website (new window) at certain times of the day, and via email. If you need help urgently, the telephone is the fastest way of getting to a counsellor.

The youthcentral website (new window) has information about many topics and issues affecting young people.