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Scrapping plans for second medically supervised injection room at odds with expert advice
The Victorian Government’s decision to abandon plans for a second medically supervised injecting room in Melbourne is deeply disappointing, and at odds with evidence and expert advice about the best way to support people living with addictions to get help.
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Government backflip on bail reform risks entrenching teens in justice system
The Victorian Government’s backflip on promised bail reform and the announced plan to trial electronic monitoring for young people on bail do not support the evidence of what works in reducing re-offending, and will only further entrench marginalised young people in the criminal justice system.
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Early intervention critical in addressing drivers of youth crime
New data published by the Crime Statistics Agency, showing that the number of crimes committed in Victoria by children aged 10 to 17 has increased by more than 30 per cent over the past year, is an important reminder that more intensive intervention services are needed to address the drivers of crime says Jesuit Social Services.
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First-of-its-kind national forum for LGBTQIA+ people navigating suicide bereavement launches
LGBTQIA+ people bereaved by suicide have a new space to find support and connection in SASH – a national online forum and resource hub developed for and by LGBTQIA+ people bereaved by suicide launching on 5 December by Jesuit Social Services’ Support After Suicide program.
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Independent Review Panel will enable effective and meaningful youth justice reform
The Victorian Government’s appointment of an Independent Review Panel to deliver its commitment to raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 is a positive step towards effective and evidence-based justice reform.
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New suicide data shows the ongoing need for specialised bereavement support
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) annual Causes of Death data, released last week, shows that the suicide rate has sadly continued to increase over the past decade pointing to the need for evidence-based and compassionate postvention support to care for the mental health and wellbeing to the increasing number of Australians impacted by suicide loss.
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Bail reform a welcome step in the right direction
The Victorian Government’s introduction of laws to reform the state’s bail system is a welcome step towards ensuring the criminal justice system keeps people who pose no risk to the community away from the harms of the prison system and supports them to reset their lives in community.
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Strengthen supported housing for people with multiple and complex needs
People at risk of homelessness who have multiple and complex needs, including cognitive impairments, must have better access to supported housing that is tailored to their needs to prevent them falling through service gaps and into homelessness, says Jesuit Social Services during Homelessness Week.
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NT’s raising the age to 12 a positive step, but more progress needed
As the Northern Territory prepares to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, the Territory Government must now look at the evidence of what works and raise the age to 14, with no exceptions, as soon as possible.
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Northern Territory must cool Alice Springs Correctional Centre as part of a just transition
The Northern Territory Government must immediately commit to air-conditioning Alice Springs Correctional Centre as one part of a just transition to reduce the climate change-induced impacts of incarceration on some of society’s most marginalised members, says Jesuit Social Services.