A Scoping Review of Transitions From Australian Youth Detention

ABSTRACT Transitions from youth detention are central to short‐ and long‐term well‐being and recidivism outcomes for young people. This study aimed to map the extent of empirical research regarding young people's needs, experiences and influential factors when transitioning from Australian youth detention. A scoping review, conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, retrieved 540 documents and identified 14 studies from 1990 onward that met inclusion criteria. Qualitative studies ( n = 7) primarily highlighted the importance of external factors such as community, interpersonal and institutional conditions. Quantitative studies ( n = 7) mainly focused on individual factors, such as knowledge, lifetime substance use and psychiatric treatment. There were no transition interventions that tested post‐transition outcomes for young people in Australia. The study found preliminary evidence of the importance of reliable positive human connection in program staff, caseworkers and mentors and the importance of community awareness and interagency coordination. However, it also highlighted an absence of mixed‐methods studies or intervention outcome testing, which would be crucial to determining the common factors of successful transition programs. Future primary research to fill the gaps highlighted by this review is essential to ensure transition processes are meeting the needs of young people and the broader Australian community.