Youth Justice
UndergraduateGRF-CCJ3172024
Previously GRF-CCJ37
Course information for 2024 intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Youth Justice
About this subject
After successfully completing this subject you should be able to:
- Present an explanation of the historical and sociological concepts of childhood, youth and youth justice.
- Analyse and interpret evidence of the parameters and patterns of youthful offending, and criminological theories that relate specifically to youth crime.
- Demonstrate ethical, professional and social communication skills when dealing with youth agencies and organisations.
- Conduct research, analyse and present findings to a professional standard.
- Apply knowledge of legal conventions that address the interface between young people and youth justice, supported by reference to scholarly literature.
- Setting the scene for youth justice: How do we 'value' young people? How do we respond to troubled and troublesome young people?
- Criminological explanations of youth offending.
- Advocacy and working with young people; Researching young people
- Young women in the youth justice system.
- Indigenous young people in the youth justice system.
- Policing youth
- Young people, public space and cyberspace
- Crime prevention and program evaluation
- Youth Justice: legislation and the court system
- Diversion, sentencing and restorative approaches
- Children and young people as victims of crime
- International conventions and obligations
This subject explores the historical, sociological and criminological context of youth justice. This is a field that offers particular challenges for both criminal and social justice. Links are established between youth justice and the various agencies established to work with the young. Particular attention is given to the skills, knowledge and interpersonal strategies required to work with and support young people in the criminal justice field. Consideration is given to legislation governing approaches to young people and crime.
Youth justice is an area of the criminal justice system that has experienced considerable change and upheaval in recent years - although some might claim that such changes are more apparent than real. Nevertheless, it does seem that much of the theory and practice of ‘diversionary’ and ‘restorative’ approaches which are being introduced across the broad field of criminal justice, initially have grown out of critical concerns about the treatment and welfare of young offenders.
This subject attempts the fairly demanding task of providing students with both an understanding of the socio-historical and criminological dimensions of youth justice as well as providing them with a broad understanding of the skills and competencies needed to work with young people. It does not intend to produce graduates who will be equipped to move straight into employment as youth workers. Rather, it forms a solid basis for those who might wish to train further in youth work, and it acknowledges that many graduates in criminology and criminal justice will in their professional lives find themselves interacting with young people and the youth justice system.
Specific examples in the course refer to Queensland, however, the broad features discussed apply Australia-wide. Students are encouraged to explore practices in their own localities.
- Online Quiz (20%)
- Case Study (40%)
- Online Exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 21
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
GRF-CCJ37 (Not currently available)
Others
This is not an introductory subject, it is a third year subject. You should complete other first and second year criminology subjects before starting this subject. Students who have completed more than 2 OUA units (GPA 4.0+) and are planning on completing the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice are strongly encouraged to enrol in the degree. Part of this process will involve registering your study plan with Griffith University, which will help to ensure that you are studying the required units.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateGRF-ART-DEG
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
UndergraduateGRF-CCJ-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.