Across the ACT, youth justice professionals work every day alongside some of the territory’s most vulnerable young people, helping them overcome challenges, reconnect with their communities, and build safer and more positive futures.
The ACT Government is celebrating the dedication, compassion and professionalism of frontline youth justice workers today as part of Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgment Day.
Whether supporting young people in detention, working with families, delivering health care, advocating for cultural connection, or helping young people access the services they need, these dedicated professionals play a critical role in improving outcomes for young people and the broader community.
As part of today’s celebrations, outstanding individuals and teams have been recognised through the 2026 ACT Youth Justice Awards, with winners progressing to the Australasian Youth Justice Awards later this year.
Minister for Children, Youth and Families Michael Pettersson thanked all nominees and winners for their commitment to supporting young people through some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
“Today is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary work of youth justice professionals who show up every day with compassion, skill and dedication to support young people and their families.
“These workers help young people navigate complex circumstances. They build trust and help strengthen connections to culture and community. Their work changes lives. They help build stronger and safer communities for everyone.”
This year’s Australasian Youth Justice Acknowledgment Day theme, “Whoever they are. Wherever they are. Outcomes happen because of you”, recognises the vital contribution youth justice practitioners make through relationship-based practice, collaboration and a commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
The ACT Government continues to invest in early intervention, therapeutic responses and culturally safe services to reduce youth offending and support better outcomes for children and young people.
The ACT has led national reform by raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14, helping keep younger children out of detention and connected to the support they need. Work is also progressing on the ACT’s Youth Justice Strategic Plan, which will provide a five-year roadmap for a more therapeutic, prevention-focused youth justice system.
2026 ACT Youth Justice Awards
Exceptional Practice for an Individual
- Winner: Eleanor Scott, Youth Justice Practitioner
- Highly Commended: Karrii Johnstone, Senior Advocate, Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Commissioner
- Highly Commended: Lana Davis, Registered Nurse, Justice Health
Exceptional Practice for a Team
- Winner: Bimberi Youth Justice Centre Team Leaders
- Highly Commended: CYF Business Systems Team (CYRIS)
Award winner highlights
Eleanor Scott was recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for young people, including strengthening partnerships across the youth justice system and driving practice improvement.
Karrii Johnstone was recognised for her advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, building strong relationships with young people, families, communities and services to support better outcomes.
Lana Davis was recognised for her compassionate and trauma-informed care at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, helping young people access health services and improve their wellbeing.
The Bimberi Youth Justice Centre Team Leaders were recognised for their collaborative and strengths-based approach, supporting young people to maintain connections to culture and community while working towards positive futures.
The CYRIS Team, Andrew and Tracey, were recognised for developing practical business systems that strengthen service delivery and support frontline youth justice workers to keep young people safe.
