COVID-19 has shown that alternative ways of operating the justice system are possible, and that there is an opportunity to ‘build back better’ with a socially and environmentally just system that is driven by evidence and best practice.
Jesuit Social Services was pleased to make a submission to the Inquiry into Victoria’s Criminal Justice System, expressing our concern at rising prison populations and recidivism rates, and articulating the need for reform toward a system underpinned by principles of prevention, early intervention, and restorative justice, which could prevent crime and strengthen whole communities.