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NT youth detention settlement an urgent warning that justice reform is needed
A landmark $35 million settlement between the Northern Territory Government and children who were mistreated in its youth detention system is a warning that youth justice reform is urgently needed, says Jesuit Social Services. “Five years ago, the entire nation was horrified by the footage of children being abused, neglected and mistreated in the Northern…
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IBAC report highlights need for urgent changes to state’s prison system
A new report by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission has revealed a string of serious systemic issues within the Victorian prison system and must be the catalyst for reform, says Jesuit Social Services. The report investigates allegations of prison staff covering the lens of their body worn cameras while treating prisoners with force, assault against…
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Better approaches to supporting young people in the Northern Territory
In May, the Northern Territory Government introduced a number of legislative changes to the youth justice system that will see more children separated from family and community, and funnelled into detention. These deeply concerning measures include increasing grounds to refuse or revoke bail; reducing access to diversion; and more powers to place electronic monitoring devices…
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NT Government must invest in prevention, not detention
The Northern Territory Government’s planned expansion of the Don Dale youth detention facility is a tacit admission it is turning its back on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory which was established, in no small part, in response to the conditions at the very…
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Report paves way for a youth justice system that helps, not harms, Aboriginal children
A new report, tabled in the Victorian Parliament today by the Commission for Children and Young People, highlights a range of potential reforms that would prevent Aboriginal children from having contact with the youth justice system and ensure that children who have contact with the system are given every opportunity to lead positive futures, says…
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Post-release housing project will help more people get back on track
The Victorian Government’s funding extension for a community residential facility in Maribyrnong that provides short term accommodation to men who would otherwise exit the prison system into homelessness will help more vulnerable people to get their lives back on track, and reduce the chances of re-offending, says Jesuit Social Services. “We commend the Victorian Government…
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Victorian Budget investments will create stronger communities
The Victorian Government’s 2021-22 Budget provides a range of critical investments to help people and communities, including marginalised Victorians, to flourish says Jesuit Social Services. “Today’s Budget has been handed down at a time when our society is still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After an extremely challenging 15 months for our entire community,…
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Time is now for all Governments to #RaiseTheAge
Jesuit Social Services has joined more than 75 social services, legal and human rights organisations to call on all levels to Government to stop condemning primary school aged children to prison and to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years as a matter of urgency. “Today we are standing alongside many…
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Federal Budget provides welcome support for some, leaves others behind
The 2021-22 Federal Budget makes some vital investments in mental health and the prevention of family violence, but leaves many vulnerable Australians behind particularly at a time when the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt, says Jesuit Social Services. “This Federal Budget is a mixed bag that provides increased funding in key…
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Time for states to show true leadership and #RaiseTheAge
The Federal Government’s decision to refer decision making about raising the age of criminal responsibility back to states and territories – after years of debate – will condemn more vulnerable children to unnecessary contact with the criminal justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “We are deeply disappointed that, despite a wealth of evidence from Australia…