On 17th September, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath announced a time-framed plan for the long-awaited and welcomed integration of 17-year-olds previously dealt with by the adult criminal justice system into the youth system. A staged transition will start in November leading up to the commencement of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation (Inclusion of 17-year-old Persons) Amendment Act on 12th February 2018. Also announced were a number of other initiatives including the establishment of ‘supervised bail accommodation services’ in nine locations to progressively come on line starting in December; new ‘frontline’ staff for courts, community and youth detention centres; more resources for courts, including two more magistrates, to improve the timeliness of court processes; and increased funding for Legal Aid Queensland and the provision of after-hours legal services for young people.
These initiatives carry enormous significance for not only those working within the youth justice system, but also for child protection policy-makers, program heads, managers and practitioners within both the government and non-government sectors.
Click here to find out why and read PeakCare’s opinion about the recently announced reforms.