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NSW must look at best practice to address juvenile justice tensions
The NSW Government is experiencing challenges with its youth justice system, The Daily Telegraph has reported. “New South Wales is not the only state that has recently dealt with issues, sometimes violent, in its juvenile justice system,” says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards. “These issues lead to poorer outcomes for everybody – they jeopardise the prospects of…
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New initiative to increase the number of African-Australians in Victoria Police
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Victorian Government’s Jobs Victoria support for a new initiative to increase the number of African Australians in Victoria Police. The Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program will actively promote the large number of job and career opportunities in Victoria Police to African Australian communities. It will provide guidance, support and training…
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Ombudsman investigation will shine a light on inhumane practice of solitary confinement
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Victorian Ombudsman’s impending investigation of the use of solitary confinement of young people in the Victorian prison system. “Through our work with young people and adults in the prison system, we regularly see the irreversible physical and mental harm that can be caused by the use of solitary confinement,” says…
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NT investment into diversion will result in less crime and safer communities
The Northern Territory Government’s $5 million investment into an innovative model that will support children and young people to get back on track will result in less crime, fewer victims and safer communities, says Jesuit Social Services. “We commend the Northern Territory Government on its commitment to positive reform of the youth justice system after…
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Addressing intergenerational poverty requires place-based approaches
Responses to intergenerational disadvantage must be tailored to individual communities and only long-term investments will help to improve outcomes, says Jesuit Social Services. “If the Federal Government wants to effectively and practically address complex intergenerational marginalisation and disadvantage, it must ensure it empowers communities to lead and support solutions and commit to change over the…
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One year anniversary of Royal Commission report a chance to reset
The one year anniversary of the final report of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory is an opportunity to take stock and re-commit ourselves to a youth justice system that strengthens, rather than harms, children, families and the community, says Jesuit Social Services. “All the evidence to the Royal Commission…
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New Darwin youth justice facility must be fast-tracked
Another incident at Darwin’s Don Dale centre overnight is further evidence that the new youth detention facilities, announced as a result of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, must be fast-tracked says Jesuit Social Services. “In its final report last year, the Royal Commission found that facilities…
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An Australian first study by Jesuit Social Services’ The Men’s Project involving 1,000 men aged 18 to 30 has shown that young men who comply with society’s pressures to be a ‘real man’ report poorer mental health, are twice as likely to consider suicide, more likely to commit acts of sexual harassment and experience and…
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Mandatory sentencing laws a step backwards for Victoria
The passing of new laws that will impose mandatory prison sentences on people who assault emergency services workers is a step backwards for Victoria’s criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “We all agree that emergency services workers perform vital services in the community and should be safe at work. Mandatory sentencing is not the…
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Victoria needs evidence-based justice system, not new prison
A new 1,000-plus bed prison for Victoria, plans of which were revealed in the Herald-Sun this week, would be counter-productive to community safety, according to Jesuit Social Services. “We are extremely disappointed to learn of plans for another prison in Victoria, after the Victorian Government has already committed money to a new 700-bed prison in…