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Increasing Indigenous prison rates requires a rethink
New data released yesterday revealing a further increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people incarcerated in Victoria is evidence that further work is needed to meet the specific needs of these groups in the justice system, says Jesuit Social Services. Quarterly Corrective Services statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics…
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Proactive approach to family violence will promote safety: Jesuit Social Services
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the final report of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, publicly released today, and congratulates the Victorian Government for its commitment to implement all 227 recommendations. “Today’s report marks a critical opportunity for government, in partnership with community, to make real and lasting changes in the area of family violence,” says Jesuit…
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State Government must commit to 15 per cent reduction in reoffending: Jesuit Social Services
Ahead of the Victorian State Budget, Jesuit Social Services has urged the State Government to commit to achieving a 15 per cent reduction in reoffending rates over the next five years. “Every dollar spent in the budget is a dollar not being spent on vital community services like housing, education and mental health,” says Jesuit…
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Victorian State Budget investment into vulnerable young people welcome
Investments in housing for people who have experienced family violence, a $32 million expansion of the Drug Court, an expansion of the successful Youth Diversion Pilot Program and $27.5 million dedicated to suicide prevention programs are welcome inclusions in the 2016-17 Victorian State Budget, says Jesuit Social Services. “With this budget, the Victorian Government has…
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Positive signs as Victorian imprisonment rates stabilise
New data released today showing Victoria’s rates of imprisonment have stabilised is a sign that the pressure on the state’s criminal justice system is beginning to ease, says Jesuit Social Services. Quarterly Corrective Services statistics published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Victoria’s rate of imprisonment in the March quarter 2016 was 137…
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Rising suicide rates show prevention remains a crucial part of mental health service mix
New data published this week showing suicide in Australia has reached a decade-high rate is an important reminder that suicide prevention is one of the most crucial elements of our response to mental health, says Jesuit Social Services. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ annual Causes of Death report reveals that the suicide rate in 2015…
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Close offshore processing and Bring Them Here
Jesuit Social Services has called for refugees and people seeking asylum currently on Nauru to be brought to Australia, joining the Australian Catholic Bishops Council, Amnesty International and many other people of goodwill in a growing chorus of support for such a move. Further, Jesuit Social Services has pledged its support as part of a…
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Statement regarding the transfer of young people to Barwon adult prison
Jesuit Social Services resolutely believes that no child should be held in an adult prison facility. We accept the need to find alternative housing for a number of young people while the facilities at Parkville are repaired but the alternative must offer appropriate services and conditions to support and rehabilitate young people. The solution must…
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Statement regarding use of Barwon prison to house young offenders
Jesuit Social Services welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision that the Victorian Government’s housing of young offenders at Barwon Prison is unlawful. We commend the efforts of the Human Rights Law Centre and Fitzroy Legal Service who have valiantly fought for the rights of vulnerable young people since the Government transferred these young people to Barwon…
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Addressing root causes of crime key to tackling youth crime
A commitment to address the root causes of youth offending must be present in any conversation about how to tackle youth crime, says Jesuit Social Services. “Youth crime in the Northern Territory has been in the national spotlight since Four Corners exposed the cruel and inhumane treatment of children and young people in Don Dale…