Youth Detention Centre Policy
was a topic of intense scrutiny during the Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in Tasmania. Despite the alarming accounts of abuse emerging from the Ashley facility, there is reluctance from both major political parties to promptly shut it down as demanded.
Youth Detention Centre Policy in Tasmania
Described as a “gladiator pit,” a “war zone,” and a “kindergarten for the adult prison,” Tasmania’s sole youth detention center offers a unique perspective on incarceration for young individuals. Explore what lies within the walls of this facility.
**Youth Detention Centre Policy: Labor’s Approach to Youth Offenders**
As Tasmanians gear up for the upcoming election on March 23, both major political parties have unveiled their strategies concerning law and order. The Liberals have proposed a stringent approach targeting youth and repeat offenders, while Labor is emphasizing diversion programs and the establishment of a new children’s court.
In the event of a victory in the state election, Labor plans to allocate $3.7 million over a three-year period to the ‘BEAST Program’ run by JCP Youth. This initiative offers a range of services including outreach support, respite accommodation, camps, daytime activities, and mentoring for individuals aged 11 to 17.
Rebecca White, the leader of the Labor party, highlighted that this funding would enable JCP Youth to assist an additional 87 young individuals who may be at risk of engaging in criminal activities.
According to Ms. White, it is crucial to identify at-risk youth and implement programs that can effectively engage with them to prevent delinquency. She emphasized the importance of proactive measures in curbing youth crime.
Will Smith, the founder of the program, described it as one of the most comprehensive initiatives nationwide, catering to a broad spectrum of individuals from high-risk youth offenders to those on the brink of entering the juvenile justice system.
Smith proudly stated, “We have achieved a significant success rate in rehabilitating the youth we work with, leading to a reduction in youth involvement in the justice system and a decrease in reliance on strained government services.”
Labor’s commitment to the ‘Youth Detention Centre Policy’ underscores its dedication to addressing youth offending through proactive and holistic interventions.
Youth Diversion Program’s Positive Impact Highlighted by Young People
According to Mr. Smith, funding for the program typically comes from grants and donations. With Labor’s support, they could potentially increase their capacity two to threefold.
“It costs $1.3 million to house a single young person in our youth detention center for a year. By diverting just three youths from detention, we can reinvest approximately half a million dollars back into our community,” Mr. Smith explained.
Two individuals who participated in the Youth Detention Centre Policy (JCP) program described it as transformative. According to ABC News reporter Ebony Ten Broeke, the program had a profound impact on their lives.
Positive Impact on Youth
Wyatt Hovington, a 14-year-old, credited the JCP Program with steering him away from criminal activities. He shared that prior to his involvement in the program, he was engaged in unlawful behaviors such as breaking into homes and stealing. However, after attending a JCP camp, Wyatt experienced a significant shift in his mindset.
“Being part of the JCP camp marked a pivotal moment for me. It set me on a new course, guiding me towards making better choices. I now wake up each day feeling empowered, knowing that I have a support system to reach out to when needed,” Wyatt expressed.
Youth Detention Centre Policy Implementation by Labor
Labor’s dedication extends to supporting an additional 12 police officers for Operation Saturate in Hobart, a Tasmania Police initiative against repeat offenders.
In line with their commitment, Labor aims to inaugurate a Children’s Court in Tasmania. This court will handle issues related to youth offending, child protection, and child safety, mirroring the successful model operating in Victoria.
Ella Haddad emphasizes that the Youth Detention Centre Policy will prioritize wraparound services, ensuring young individuals receive the necessary support to steer away from criminal behavior. According to Labor’s justice spokesperson, the Children’s Court will operate based on a community justice model, offering comprehensive services to guide youth towards a positive path. Haddad highlights the importance of addressing young people in a therapeutic manner, equipping them with essential skills to prevent future offenses.
Youth Detention Centre Policy: Liberals’ Plan to Address TikTok ‘Crimfluencers’
The Liberals have pledged to take action against young offenders on TikTok, aiming to address the issue of ‘crimfluencers’. Their commitment to enforcing stricter measures is framed as a form of tough love. However, critics question the timing of this election promise, especially in light of recent disturbing revelations from an inquiry into Tasmania’s youth detention center.
**Labor’s Commitment to Establishing New Courts**
Labor has pledged $500,000 towards initiating the preliminary scoping works for a new court and identifying suitable locations in both the northern and southern regions of the state. In response, Felix Ellis, the Liberals’ spokesperson for police, fire, and emergency services, expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with establishing such a court, estimating that it could amount to “millions.” He highlighted that the proposed court model is inspired by a Victorian scheme that incurs significant annual expenses.
Ellis criticized Labor’s approach, questioning the need for investing half a million dollars in exploring the costs of new courts that may not be necessary. He emphasized that despite the expenditure, Labor remains committed to constructing these courts, which he believes are redundant. Additionally, Ellis accused Labor of imitating the Liberals’ strategy for addressing youth crime, suggesting that they are attempting to conceal their perceived leniency on criminal issues.
Rebecca White, a prominent figure within the Labor party, had previously criticized the Liberals’ plan targeting repeat young offenders, labeling it as “appalling.” In a twist of events, Ellis pointed out that Labor recently unveiled a similar initiative involving the creation of a dedicated police task force aimed at addressing recidivism among young offenders. He accused Labor of duplicating the Liberals’ proposals while attempting to maintain a facade of being tough on crime.
In light of these developments, the debate surrounding the establishment of new courts and the strategies for combating youth crime continues to be a point of contention between the Labor and Liberal parties. The keyphrase “Youth Detention Centre Policy” remains central to the discussions, shaping the discourse on crime prevention and law enforcement in the state.
Youth Detention Centre Closure Plan
Labor Leader Rebecca White has pledged to shut down Tasmania’s infamous Ashley Youth Detention Centre promptly if she wins the election.
White believes that her party’s Youth Detention Centre Policy will allow for a quicker closure compared to the Liberals’ goal of mid-2026. However, she has not specified a precise timeline for this action.
The Ashley Youth Detention Centre has been under scrutiny by the Commission of Inquiry, which uncovered instances of children facing humiliation and degradation. The commission has strongly recommended the immediate closure of the facility, as stated by the Tasmanian government.
According to a spokesperson, the Commission of Inquiry was unequivocal in its findings, emphasizing the urgent need to shut down the Ashley Detention Centre. Plans for a smooth transition, especially regarding the current staff, are essential to ensure their continued employment within the youth justice system.
The spokesperson further highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to swiftly establish an alternative to Ashley, with the aim of closing the center well before the projected date of 2026. This proactive approach is crucial in addressing the issues raised and providing a more suitable environment for youth in detention.
As discussions continue on the future of youth detention centers, the focus remains on implementing effective policies that prioritize the well-being and rehabilitation of young individuals in the justice system.
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Youth Detention Centre Policy: Liberals’ Pledge to Address TikTok ‘Crimfluencers’ in Tasmania’s Crime Crackdown
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Youth Detention Centre Policy
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Youth Detention Centre Policy
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