The Territory Government has responded to a June report from the ACT Inspector of Correctional Services, agreeing or agreeing in principle to 26 of 27 recommendations made to improve care at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
Minister for Youth Justice, Emma Davidson said the Inspector’s Healthy Centre Review of Bimberi Youth Justice Centre 2020 examined how the needs of young people in the ACT’s youth justice centre were being met and identified opportunities for improvement.
“The Review is critical to better support the needs of both young people in contact with the justice system and also the workers within the centre,” Ms Davidson said.
“Reviews like this are essential to ensure the right support is offered to them so they feel empowered to make healthier choices and behaviours,” she said.
“This work means not only can we adapt the ways things operate to better respond to the needs of young people, but also better support them as they grow, develop and engage in social and economic parts of our community.”
Ms Davidson said the Review found that overall, Bimberi performed well over the four areas assessed, safety; respect and dignity; purposeful activity; and rehabilitation and preparation for release.
The Minister said the one recommendation the Territory had not agreed to was to remove sections 163 and 190 from the Children and Young People Act 2008, which related to security classifications.
She said the recommendation was contrary to recommendations made by the Muir Review and WorkSafe ACT in response to an August 2019 critical incident at the Centre.
“In response to the critical incident, Bimberi developed a full-time Intelligence and Classifications Officer position to ensure the Bimberi Classification System is implemented as intended,” Ms Davidson said.
“Bimberi will review the Classifications System, including timeframes and dynamic risk factors, to ensure it remains consistent with best practice in youth justice, but is opposed to removing classifications from the Children and Young People Act 2008.”
Ms Davidson said four of the Inspector’s recommendations had been implemented and work was already underway on several others.
The Inspector’s 117-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link and the Territory’s 21-page response at this link.
PS News’ article on the release of the Inspector’s Report can be accessed at this link.
