URGENT UPDATE: A child has been hospitalized following a shocking incident at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre in Canberra, where staff allegedly used excessive force, leaving the teenager with severe injuries. The incident occurred on November 16, 2025, and has raised serious concerns about the treatment of youth in detention facilities.
According to the child’s mother, the teenager suffered a range of injuries including bruising, blurred vision, and a swollen jaw after staff forcibly restrained them. The family claims that multiple male staff members slammed the child’s head against the ground, resulting in blood from the nose and multiple bruises to the face.
In a heartfelt statement, the mother expressed her outrage: “
[Prison staff] have no right to put their hands on my child like that, or any child for that fact.
I’m actually disgusted that that’s what happened to my child while [they were] in Bimberi.” The emotional toll on the family is evident, as they seek justice for what they describe as a betrayal of trust in the system meant to rehabilitate youth.
The incident unfolded after the child was allegedly kept in their room beyond normal breakfast hours. When taken out for food, tensions escalated, leading to the staff’s aggressive response after the teenager threw cereal. The situation culminated in the child being pinned to the ground, causing facial injuries and a CT scan revealing bruising and bleeding under the skin.
Following the incident, the child’s mother lodged a complaint with the ACT Human Rights Commission on November 19, demanding accountability and clarity regarding the use of force employed by the staff. An email from the acting branch manager of ACT Youth Justice and Adolescent Services acknowledged the incident and stated that they were seeking further information about the event.
Authorities have not commented specifically on this case due to privacy concerns, but a spokesperson for the ACT Government stated, “Bimberi has a comprehensive review process for the review of incidents, including the review of every use of force.” They emphasized that the use of force is a last resort intended to restore safety and de-escalate situations.
The child’s injuries have sparked outrage and calls for reform regarding the treatment of minors in detention. As the investigation progresses, the community is left questioning the safety and ethical standards within the youth justice system.
The teenager has since been released on bail, but the long-term impact of this incident remains a concern for the family and advocates alike. The situation highlights the urgent need for scrutiny and potential reform within youth detention facilities to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This developing story continues to unfold, and further updates are expected as the investigation by the ACT Human Rights Commission progresses.
For support, individuals can reach out to services such as Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline at 1800 551 800.
