In 2001/02, a total of 10 juveniles from Wadeye aged between 13 and 17 commenced a detention episode in a correctional centre. Since 2000, however, the aim of policy has been to divert juveniles (those under 18), away from the formal justice and courts system except in cases where serious offences are committed or where options to prevent re-offending have proven unsuccessful. The guiding principles are to support and involve victims, and to encourage parental responsibility and community involvement in reducing youth crime. Diversionary conferencing is the key management tool for this purpose, and this involves police, families, and the community jointly determining the nature of amends to be made for harm done with rehabilitation as the prime aim.

In 2002/03, a total of 123 juvenile apprehensions were recorded in Wadeye District. Most of these apprehensions (70 per cent) were for unlawful entry, primarily into buildings, although a few (eight) involved entry into dwellings. The next largest offence type was unlawful use of motor vehicles (15%). For the most part, it was male youths who were apprehended with only three females recorded, and the majority of these (81%) were aged between 15 and 17 years, although this means that 19 per cent were aged 14 years. In processing these apprehensions, a total of 37 individuals (31%) were offered diversion from the courts system, which meant that by far the majority (69%) were dealt with by the courts.

Family conferencing was the most common method of handling diversion referrals with this strategy applied in 67 per cent of cases. Victim/offender conferencing was applied in 24 per cent of cases. In three instances a written warning was issued. At this stage, diversion case management and program support is embryonic—in 2002/03, 27 case management events were recorded, but only six individuals were engaged in formal diversionary programs. With regard to the latter, the aim of the Wadeye Youth Development Working Group is to develop personal and family action plans that would include a range of requirements such as attendance at Kardu Kigay, work experience with CDEP, attendance at drug and alcohol sessions, cultural activities, practical life skills, arts, and team sports. Ironically, one measure of success in regard to juvenile crime at Wadeye would be a rise over time in the numbers recorded in diversionary programs.