ALMA Intelligence
Impact Calculator
See what happens when we shift resources from detention to community. The evidence is clear: community works, detention doesn't.
Calculate Impact
101001,000
Data sources:
- Productivity Commission ROGS 2024
- AIHW Youth Justice 2023-24
- AIC Research Reports
Cost Comparison (Annual)
Detention Cost
$121.2M
$3,320/day × 100 young people
Community Cost
$5.5M
$150/day × 100 young people
Net Savings
$115.7M
Per year, reinvest in community
Outcome Improvements
55
Fewer Reoffend
84.5% → 30%
57
Stay in Education
15% → 72%
53
Find Employment
12% → 65%
65
Keep Families
20% → 85%
Generational Impact (20 Years)
$347.1M
Total savings over 20 years (3x multiplier for reduced intergenerational contact)
55
Lives redirected away from the justice system, breaking the cycle
The Evidence Is Clear
State Detention
Cost per day$3,320
Recidivism rate84.5%
Education retention15%
Employment outcomes12%
Family connection20%
Community Programs
Cost per day$150
Recidivism rate30%
Education retention72%
Employment outcomes65%
Family connection85%
Detention Costs by State
Daily cost per young person in detention varies significantly. Hover over each state to see costs.
Cost Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
1NT
$4,850
2WA
$4,125
3TAS
$3,678
4QLD
$3,420
5ACT
$3,245
6VIC
$3,156
7SA
$2,956
8NSW
$2,847
Key Insight:
The Northern Territory has the highest detention costs at $4,850/day— yet also has the highest rates of Indigenous youth incarceration. Investing in community programs would save millions while improving outcomes.
Data from Productivity Commission ROGS 2024, AIHW Youth Justice 2023-24, and AIC Research Reports.
Community outcome data from verified ALMA interventions database.
Built by community, for community. | ALMA Intelligence