An official guide for judges and magistrates in Victoria is still encouraging them to release underage offenders on bail where possible, despite a tranche of bail reforms introduced to combat youth crime.

The bail benchbook is used by authorities to determine how to apply the state's bail laws.

It was updated last week when tougher bail laws came into force, including a strike rule which targets youth offenders.

But the book is still instructing judges and magistrates to grant bail for accused youth offenders.

"A child should be released on bail wherever possible," the guide states.

The guide appears to be in direct conflict with the bail reforms, which aim to put community safety first in Victoria.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters today the bail reforms have already

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