The Blueprint for Youth Justice Taskforce has released its final report, showing that steady progress is being made.
Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the taskforce was established in 2017 to review progress on the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-2022, the Territory’s framework for reform in the youth justice system.
“The final report shows that an increased focus on early support, prevention and diversion of young people from the youth justice system is delivering results,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Since 2011- 2012, the number of young people under youth justice supervision has decreased by 27 per cent. The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people under youth justice supervision has decreased by 33 per cent.”
She said that while the numbers were positive, the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people remained a critical focus, as did delivering trauma-informed supports and services for young people and their families.
“The report makes recommendations across 10 focus areas to inform the future direction of the ACT youth justice system,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“These recommendations identify existing initiatives to be built on and address a number of new and emerging challenges.”
She said the blueprint was now in its final four years, meaning it was important to continue to provide support services to ensure children, young people and families were safe, strong and connected.
The Taskforce’s 39-page final report can be accessed at this PS News link.
