Victorian Ombudsman Finds Teen Held 22 Hours a Day in Adult Prison 2026

The Victorian ombudsman has found that a 16-year-old boy was held in conditions akin to solitary confinement in an adult prison for 22 hours a day, a situation that led to suicidal thoughts. The report, tabled in parliament on Thursday, revealed serious breaches of the teen's human rights and raised urgent questions about the treatment of young people in the justice system.

Teen's Ordeal in Adult Prison

The boy was transferred from the Parkville Youth Justice Precinct to the maximum-security Melbourne Assessment Prison in early 2025 after he attacked staff. Despite two formal warnings that he would be moved if his "violent behaviour" continued, the ombudsman found that the Department of Justice and Community Safety breached the teen's human rights by placing him in an adult facility. Once there, he was separated from other prisoners due to his age, spending an average of more than 22 hours in his cell each day for six weeks.

Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath described the conditions as "bordering on solitary confinement." The cell was "cramped and worn," and the boy told the ombudsman he couldn't see out of the window. "I was shocked … if you're in some type of environment like that, I guess you have no hope," he said. "After a while, it starts playing with your mind." Even during his limited outside hours, he was confined to what the ombudsman called "effectively a room that is open to the sky" and was handcuffed due to his history of violence. He ate meals in his cell and drank straight from the tap because a gully trap in his cell emitted foul odours.

Impact on Mental Health

The isolation took a severe toll on the teenager's mental health. He reported experiencing suicidal thoughts, highlighting the psychological damage caused by prolonged solitary confinement, especially for a young person. The ombudsman's report underscores that such conditions can exacerbate existing trauma and lead to long-term harm.

Ombudsman's Findings and Recommendations

The report criticised the Department of Justice and Community Safety for failing to adequately consider the boy's age and vulnerability. It recommended several changes, including better oversight of transfers to adult prisons, improved conditions for young people in custody, and increased mental health support. The ombudsman also called for a review of the use of solitary confinement for minors.

Comparison of Youth Justice and Adult Prison Conditions

Key Takeaways

• 16-year-old boy held in adult prison for 22 hours a day for six weeks.
• Ombudsman found conditions "bordered on solitary confinement."
• Department of Justice and Community Safety breached the teen's human rights.
• The boy experienced suicidal thoughts due to isolation.
• Report recommends reforms to prevent similar cases.

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