A sentence imposed on a child should be the minimum intervention required in the circumstances, with a custodial sentence imposed as a last resort and for the minimum period appropriate and necessary.
Note
Section 324 prevents the Children's Court from imposing a sentence of detention on a child who was under 14 years of age at the time of the offending unless the offence is a Category A serious youth offence, a Category B serious youth offence or any other offence the Court considers to be a serious and violent offence and the Court is reasonably satisfied that the child presents a serious risk to community safety.