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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....
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Francis' ordeal reveals failings of NDIS and the prison system
The story of a young man named Francis reveals significant failings of both the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the criminal justice system - and his plight must lead to better outcomes for people like him in the future, writes Jesuit Social Services Media Relations Manager KATHRYN...
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Education and employment key to overcoming disadvantage
Jesuit Social Services works with people who are often frustrated at the lack of access to job opportunities. This is most acute for people from disadvantaged backgrounds who often lack employment experience....
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Law Week - Time to treat children with a restorative justice and welfare approach
This Law Week, it's time to talk about the need to raise the age of criminal responsibility to better support young children, writes Jesuit Social Services' Media Relations Manager KATHRYN KERNOHAN....