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Justice Legislation Bill will further entrench young people in the justice system
The passing of the Victorian Government’s Justice Legislation (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2018 will further entrench vulnerable young people in the prison system, says Jesuit Social Services....
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Give people a home, and you give them a second chance to get their lives on track
Unstable housing is the most significant factor affecting the likelihood of somebody returning to prison. If we want to reduce re-offending and create a safer society, we must ensure people leaving prison have access to safe and secure housing, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Policy, Research and...
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Keeping young people engaged with school means better outcomes for the whole community
More than half of the young people involved in Victoria’s youth justice system have been suspended or expelled from school. The Navigator program helps keep vulnerable young people connected with education – and more children should have access to it, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Media...
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Victorian election is a time to commit to solutions to fix our broken youth justice system
The next Victorian Government must commit to solutions to fix our broken youth justice system – including a rollback of regressive sentencing practices, raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years and investing in diversion programs, writes Jesuit Social Services’ Policy and...
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The National Apology for child abuse - Let’s support all victims
This week's national apology to victims of child sexual abuse is an important acknowledgement of past failure to protect our children and young people. But it is vital that all people have the right to access compensation, support to rehabilitate, and an opportunity to heal, writes Jesuit Social...
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New reports show the failings of the Victorian youth detention system
New reports by the Victorian Auditor-General’s office and Victorian Commissioner for Children and Young People highlight the significant strain the state’s youth detention system is under – and the harmful impact this has on the rehabilitation prospects of young people. It’s time for...
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New report reveals impact of isolation in prison
A new report by Jesuit Social Services reveals the physical and mental impact that isolation can have on young adults in the Victorian prison system. Change is needed to improve their chances of rehabilitation and reintegration in the community, writes Jesuit Social Services Communications...
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Isolation of young people in prison leads to irreversible damage
Victoria’s adult prison population grew by 71 per cent over the 10 years to 2017 – an extra 3,006 people. This is largely attributable to changes to bail laws: the adult remand population soared more than 150 per cent over the same period, and 38 per cent of young adults in prison are on remand....
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Shift in illicit drug rhetoric and policy should not be considered soft
An expansion of the successful Drug Court and trial of a Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Victoria are are examples of a health-based response that reflects a compassionate, evidence-based policy agenda, writes Jesuit Social Services' policy volunteer MITCHELL GLASS....