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Better support for Victorian tenants welcome
Government changes to strengthen safeguards and rights for Victorian tenants have been welcomed by Jesuit Social Services. “Many of the people we work with at Jesuit Social Services are renters and we understand the many challenges and frustrations that can come with navigating the private rental market. We welcome the Victorian Government’s announcements that will…
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Unwinding of dual track erodes foundations of Victoria’s youth justice system
The passing of the Victorian Government’s Children and Justice Legislation (Youth Justice Reform) Bill 2017 contains reforms that will erode the foundations of Victoria’s youth justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “An effective youth justice system is one that holds young people accountable for their actions while working to rehabilitate and re-socialise them, to ultimately…
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Overseas learnings can help reform troubled youth justice system
Victoria’s political leaders must articulate a clear vision for the state’s youth justice system based on prevention, diversion and rehabilitation, says Jesuit Social Services. The organisation, which has 40 years’ experience working with young people who have contact with the criminal justice system, will today release a report highlighting findings from a recent international study…
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Landmark review a new beginning for youth justice in Victoria
A landmark review into the Victorian youth justice system can help create a renewed focus and vision resulting in positive outcomes for young people and the community says Jesuit Social Services. The Youth Justice Review and Strategy: Meeting needs and reducing offending review, conducted by Professor James Ogloff and Penny Armytage, identities key factors behind…
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Group Conferencing gives victims a voice
On the six-month anniversary of delivering Youth Justice Group Conferencing in Darwin, Jesuit Social Services says increased satisfaction of victims with the justice process is one of the key outcomes of the restorative justice approach. Jared Sharp, General Manager in the Northern Territory, will this week present findings from the first six months of the…
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Youth crime prevention grants a piecemeal solution compared to youth justice infrastructure spend
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the $7.6 million investment into Youth Crime Prevention Grants to help local communities tackle youth crime, announced by the Victorian Government today. However, the funds are a piecemeal solution at a time of unprecedented spending on youth justice infrastructure, says the organisation. “The $7.6 million announced today is equivalent to just…
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Specialist court vital to address NT alcohol misuse
Judges need to have the option to send people with serious alcohol problems who commit crimes to treatment services instead of prison to address alcohol misuse in the Northern Territory, according to Jesuit Social Services. Jesuit Social Services will present recommendations from its submission to the Northern Territory Alcohol Policies and Legislation Review, including that…
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Record number of Victorian prisoners failing to create safer communities
With Victoria’s prison population having reached a record high of 7,155 this week, Jesuit Social Services says locking up increasing numbers of people will not create safer communities. “Victoria’s prison population has increased by more than 2,000 people in just five years, and this week’s figure of 7,155 people would have been unthinkable as recently…
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Investment in special education ensures access for all
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the opening of Forrest Parade School, which will provide much needed special education for children with disabilities and challenging behaviours. This school will be the first of its kind in Palmerston and will help to meet the great demand in community. Jared Sharp, Jesuit Social Services’ General Manager in the Northern…
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Foundations of Victoria’s youth justice system must be maintained
Victoria is at risk of eroding its progressive youth justice system by making changes to the successful dual track system, which allows young people aged between 18 and 21 to be sentenced to youth detention, warns Jesuit Social Services. “The Government is treading down a dangerous path by dismantling many of the elements of our…