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Youth justice reforms would improve outcomes for children who have experienced trauma
A new report by the Sentencing Advisory Council explores the impact of trauma in childhood offending and canvasses possible reforms that would lead to better outcomes for children, their families and the broader community, says Jesuit Social Services. It also adds to the evidence that supports raising of the age of legal responsibility from 10…
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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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Social security boost welcome; longer-term support needed
The Federal Government’s decision to temporarily boost the Jobseeker Allowance (formerly known as Newstart) and the Youth Allowance Job Seeker payment for six months during the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis is extremely welcome – and demonstrates the need for longer-term solutions to support people on the margins, says Jesuit Social Services. “The COVID-19 crisis has…
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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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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…