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There's room at the table for the poor ... if we make it
One of the most misused passages of Christian scripture tells us we shall always have the poor with us. That is a statement of fact, often repeated by those who are not poor in order to dismiss any project that involves public expenditure or private generosity to people who are poor....
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Breaking down barriers to employment
Immigrant communities often face the issue of not being able to obtain employment in their field or at a level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. There are systemic barriers to entry which mean that many people within these communities work in roles where they are significantly...
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Why justice reinvestment works
Two months ago, the Northern Territory’s youth justice system was placed in the national spotlight with ABC TV’s Four Corners’ revelations of abuse and brutalization carried out towards vulnerable young people....
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Strategies to address youth offending must address the drivers
This week, Jesuit Social Services is presenting at the 2nd Australasian Youth Justice Conference, which is hosted in partnership by the Australasian Juvenile Justice Administrators (AJJA) and Griffith University. Jesuit Social Services is pleased to have this opportunity to meet with key...
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Addressing insecure work must be accompanied by addressing disadvantage
Last week, the Victorian Inquiry into Labour Hire and Insecure Work handed the Victorian Government its final report after receiving almost 700 submissions from individuals and organisations, including Jesuit Social Services....
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Strengthening accountability and giving young people a voice
For nearly 40 years, Jesuit Social Services has been working with young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged and disengaged. We know from research and experience that young people in detention are especially vulnerable and have complex support needs. As identified by the Youth Parole...
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Disadvantage must be considered as a central issue in response to disability
Jesuit Social Services recently provided a submission to the discussion paper of the Victorian state disability plan for 2017-2020. The Victorian state disability plan is a government policy framework for improving the way services and environments work for people with disabilities. Our submission,...
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Homelessness is a scandal and must not be allowed to continue
National homelessness week is always an embarrassment. And rightly so. We pride ourselves that we are a respectful society, but there is no greater sign of disrespect than to allow people to be homeless. Nothing eats into our self-respect more than to wonder where we and our family will sleep...
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To address youth offending, we must look to the evidence of what works
Last Thursday Jesuit Social Services joined Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton, community leaders and experts at a youth summit to discuss one the most important issues facing our state: the involvement of young people in serious and violent crime....
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Youth skills help build a more just future for all
With youth unemployment rising in Australia, it's harder than ever for young people to land their first job. SEZ WILKS argues for employment programs that teach not only technical skills, but life skills, too....