Magill Youth Training Centre

The Magill Youth Training Centre opened in 1869 as the Boys Reformatory, Magill. In 1967, it changed its name to the McNally Training Centre. It operated under that name until 1979 where it changed its name again to the South Australian Youth Training Centre (SAYTC) and in 1993 to the Magill Training Centre. Magill Youth Training Centre closed in 2012 and was demolished in June 2014. In the late 2000s, Magill came under severe criticism for its barbaric and degrading conditions. Consequently, it was replaced in 2012 by a new 60-bed youth training centre known as the Adelaide Youth Training Centre in Cavan, north Adelaide.

The Centre was famous not only for its dehumanising conditions but also for the sexual abuse of numerous persons in custody. The South Australian government in 2004 held the Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry which published its “Final Report” in 2008 and heard allegations of sexual abuse from numerous people who were placed in various State-run institutions, including Magill Youth Training Centre. The Commission heard from witnesses who were at Magill and who made allegations of being sexually abused not just by one perpetrator but also sometimes by multiple perpetrators. Subsequently, once they left the Centre, the Commission also heard that many of these people were never the same afterwards with many having difficulties later on in their adult life with their mental health, employment and general enjoyment of life.

Moody Law is currently representing clients who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse against the State of South Australia whilst they were placed at Magill.

We invite former victims and detainees to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the confidential enquiry form below.