The Department of Justice is to undertake a comprehensive review of youth offender laws to ensure they provide the best outcomes for young people involved in the justice system and the community.
The Department will determine whether the Young Offenders Act 1994 is continuing to efficiently achieve its objectives regarding contemporary youth justice issues and trends.
Key principles of the Act include diverting young people from the formal criminal justice system where possible, and using detention as a last resort, while protecting the community.
Minister for Corrective Services, Bill Johnston said the review came as the State’s Corrective Services, police force and courts faced and adapted to a changing youth justice landscape.
“It will examine the over-representation of young Aboriginal people in detention, the effect of cognitive impairment disability on diversion, and the isolation and separation of detainees,” Mr Johnston said.
“A consultation process will be undertaken as part of the review. An issues paper will be circulated seeking feedback from stakeholders on diversion methods, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.”
He said written submissions received in response to the paper would inform the review, which was expected to be completed in the next 12 months.
“Youth justice is a highly complex area involving extremely challenging young people who have committed crimes or are at risk of doing so — and in many cases they need help to get back on the right path,” Mr Johnston said.
“Few would argue against the need for greater diversionary and rehabilitative measures for WA’s youth and addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system.”
