Appendix 1

The South Australian Young Offenders' File: a description of variables

Three groups of variables were collected. The first involved details relating to each separate charge (up to a maximum of eight charges per appearance). These included the type and nature of the charge, the plea recorded for that charge, the penalty imposed (including discharge without penalty) and, if applicable, the duration of that penalty. The major charge was distinguished from the charge attracting the major penalty, as were the associated pleas, penalties and penalty duration.

Secondly, details regarding the actual ‘mechanics’ of the appearance were noted, such as the date and geographic location of the hearing, the method of apprehension, whether it took place before an Aid Panel or Court, whether legal representation was present, whether the person presiding was a judge or magistrate, and the number of adjournments.

The third set of variables related to the individual. These included information on previous contact with the welfare or justice systems, such as the number of previous Aid Panel or Court appearances, and whether the young person was under the care of the State, was subject to an existing order, or was an absconder. Social background details relating to age, gender, residential address, education level, family structure, current and previous occupations and identity (i.e. whether Aboriginal or non- Aboriginal) were also recorded, as were the occupation, income, marital status and ethnic identity of the parent(s).