Victoria’s new youth justice precinct is to open its doors within weeks promising to deliver a contemporary youth justice facility that supports the rehabilitation of young people and keeps staff and the community safe.
Announced by Minister for Youth Justice, Enver Erdogan, the new Cherry Creek Youth Justice Precinct features an intensive intervention community, a specialised primary health centre, and two mental health units.
“The Precinct will take on the first cohort of males aged between 15 and 18 by August, providing improved facilities for staff and young people and better access to services that help break the cycle of reoffending,” Mr Erdogan said.
“It will accommodate young people in smaller units of four, so staff can provide more targeted and individual support in a safer environment – including modern security systems,” he said.
“The Precinct will provide more education and training opportunities, including VCE and VET courses.”
Mr Erdogan said educational and vocational services would be delivered through a new partnership between Parkville College, the Gordon TAFE and Virtual Schools Victoria.
He said all staff at Cherry Creek would receive additional training and responsibilities that support the delivery of psychosocial programs and case management.
“The opening of the Cherry Creek precinct represents a new era for Victoria’s youth justice system, making way for the closure of the aging Malmsbury precinct, which has been operational since 1965, by the end of 2023,” the Minister said.
“Young people at Malmsbury will be progressively transferred to the Cherry Creek and Parkville precincts across the next six months,” he said.
“Staff will also be provided with a range of supports including opportunities to transition into other roles, as well as career advice, Targeted Separation Packages and incentive payments paid over the next six months.”
