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Youth Justice Strategy an important step towards a system that works for all
The Victorian Government’s Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2020-2030, launched today, is an important step towards a strong, effective and humane youth justice system that gives vulnerable children and young people the best opportunity to get their lives back on track, says Jesuit Social Services. The strategy sets out the underpinning philosophies of Victoria’s youth justice…
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Funding boost to legal assistance services will support vulnerable Victorians
The Victorian Government’s $17.5 million funding boost to frontline legal assistance services including Victoria Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal legal services will ensure that vulnerable Victorians will have access to vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Jesuit Social Services. “We welcome the Victorian Government’s announcement of additional funding to frontline legal assistant…
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New report highlights urgent need to raise the age of legal responsibility
A new report released by the Sentencing Advisory Council today reveals the unique vulnerabilities of children aged 10 to 13 years who have contact with the child protection and youth justice systems – and adds to the volume of evidence highlighting the need to raise the age of legal responsibility, says Jesuit Social Services. “The…
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More than 100 participants from across the Northern Territory have gathered in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), on the land of the Central Arrernte people, to commit to transformative actions that respond to the climate crisis and create a just and sustainable future for our communities. The Summit was attended by Indigenous community leaders, representatives from Aboriginal…
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The Victorian Government must set public targets to reduce the number of young people in detention, on remand and who re-offend after exiting the youth justice system, in light of a new report that shows an almost doubling of spending on youth detention services over the last four years, says Jesuit Social Services. The annual Report…
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Funding cut to ATSI peak body must be immediately reversed
The Federal Government’s funding cut to the National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum (National FVPLS) is unjustified, unwarranted and must be immediately reversed, says Jesuit Social Services. “Jesuit Social Services, along with many of our colleagues in the community services sector, is extremely concerned at the Federal Government’s decision to cease funding…
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New approaches needed for young adults in the criminal justice system
A new report by the Sentencing Advisory Council highlights that new approaches are needed to work with young adults (aged 18-25) who have contact with the justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. “It is clear that the criminal justice system is not adequately responding to the developmental needs of young adults, which are unique in…
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Australian Governments must stop locking up 10-year old children
Australia’s Governments must stop locking up 10-year-old children and raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, says Julie Edwards, CEO of Jesuit Social Services. “It is deeply disappointing that the Council of Attorneys-General has today deferred recommendations relating to the age of criminal responsibility until 2020. This means our states and territories will continue…