The Rockliff Liberal Government is reforming the youth justice system by establishing a contemporary, integrated and therapeutic model of care, focused on the rights of the child, rehabilitation and breaking the cycle of offending.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, today released the Youth Justice Blueprint 2024-2034, which outlines the Tasmanian Government’s clear plan and strategies to develop a system that improves outcomes for children and young people and their families, and keeps our community safe.
“This Blueprint has been developed in collaboration with other agencies, young people and key stakeholders to ensure it is fit for purpose and nation leading in its approach to achieving improved outcomes for children and young people in conflict with the law,” Minister Jaensch said.
“Importantly, the Blueprint also aligns with the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
“Key elements of our plan include the establishment of new, fit-for-purpose youth justice facilities including a new secure therapeutic facility in the south, as well as the development of a therapeutic model of care for youth justice in Tasmania.
“We will make Tasmania the nation’s leading jurisdiction on youth justice reform by raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years and increasing the minimum age of detention to 16 years.
“We will do this by developing alternatives to detention for children aged up to 15 years that result in better outcomes for young people and the communities they live in.
“Children and young people who are at risk of, or are already engaged, in offending have a range of needs that require responses across multiple service systems. This requires working collaboratively across government and the community to establish better connections for vulnerable children and young people, their families, and services.
“Over time, our actions will result in a system that supports early intervention and diverts children and young people away from the statutory youth justice system.”
The actions commencing, or already underway, to implement the Blueprint and the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry include:
- the commencement of a comprehensive review of the Youth Justice Act.
- the development of a youth justice ‘model of care’ that will inform practice in community youth justice services, AYDC and the design of the new centre.
- the development of a youth justice diversion services framework that covers foundational issues such as priorities and criteria for diversion and program options.
- establishing and convening the Community Consultative Committee that will be comprised of a range of community organisations and stakeholders to provide input and advice that will support the implementation of the Blueprint.
- Establishment of a multi-disciplinary Expert Advisory Panel comprising individuals with a range of expertise to provide feedback on key actions and the design of initiatives (including the new centre).
- A cross agency working group is being established with Secretaries currently in the process of considering nominations.
The Youth Justice Blueprint is available to view at Youth-Justice-Blueprint
