More than half of the children that our government has locked up in Australia’s youth prisons are still waiting for their trial.

Not only are these kids imprisoned before they've even been found guilty or innocent, evidence shows that around 40 per cent of them will be found not guilty or given non-custodial sentences. 

Children awaiting trial should be at home receiving community support, not languishing in detention where the confined conditions put them at high risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Prison conditions have been shown to be hotbeds for COVID-19, and the high risk of exposure to infection is another reason these children should be released immediately.

Attorneys-General can do the right thing for kids: by releasing them immediately, they will be giving these kids a chance to get the support they need to live happy, healthy lives in the community. 

Demand the Australian Government immediately release from prison all kids awaiting trial.