Young People's Legal Rights Centre Inc
The Young People's Legal Rights Centre Inc (operating as Youthlaw) is an Australian nonprofit organisation and community legal centre providing free legal assistance, information, and advocacy to individuals under 25 years of age in Victoria. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), it focuses on addressing legal issues affecting young people, including education, employment, housing, and police interactions.

History and structure

Established as a community legal centre, Youthlaw operates with a volunteer-based model and collaborates with legal professionals to deliver accessible services. Its work includes direct legal advice, community education, and systemic advocacy to address gaps in legal protections for young Australians.

Services

Youthlaw offers confidential legal support through helplines, email, and referrals, prioritising early intervention to prevent legal issues from escalating. The organisation specialises in areas such as discrimination, debt, and interactions with law enforcement. It also engages in policy reform initiatives to promote youth rights at state and national levels.

Affiliations and scope

While Youthlaw primarily serves Victorian youth, a similarly named organisation—Youth Law Australia (YLA)—provides nationwide legal assistance to individuals under 25, including specialised employment rights support in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. Youthlaw remains distinct in its Victorian focus and community-based operations.

Funding and recognition

As a registered charity, Youthlaw relies on grants, partnerships, and pro bono contributions. It is recognized for its rights-based approach, emphasizing young people’s autonomy in legal decision-making.

[1] https://youthlaw.asn.au [2] https://yla.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5c414983-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://youthlaw.asn.au/about-youthlaw/ [5] https://yla.org.au/about-us/