Page 596 - Week 02 - Thursday, 17 February 2005
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
support provided to children and young people subject to both care and protection, and justice orders is better coordinated.
Strategies are being established to improve communication and cooperation across government and with non-government agencies, to ensure that these young people are given the best possible opportunity to reengage with the general community and remain out of the criminal justice system.
The inclusion of the Office for Children, Youth and Family Support within the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services will ensure greater collaboration on service provision. The finalisation of a memorandum of understanding with both ACT Health and the Department of Education and Training will also assist in ensuring services are provided in a more coherent fashion.
The government supports the need for expanded accommodation options for people exiting Quamby. These options will be assisted by the redevelopment of Isabella Hostel for indigenous male youth and actions arising from the homelessness strategy.
Mr Speaker, we have established very effective partnerships with many community organisations, providing a diverse range of support services for Quamby residents to assist in their transition from custody. These organisations include Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation, Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, the Salvation Army, Relationships Australia, RecLINK, and the job placement employment and training program.
Fully accredited educational vocational programs are an integral element of the case plans for the residents of Quamby. These are designed to address offending behaviour and enhance educational or vocational opportunities.
In regard to Quamby itself, the government is committed to the development of a new juvenile justice facility that will replace Quamby. Feasibility work is scheduled for completion early this year. The government is actioning a range of new and improved support systems and processes to assist young people moving from the juvenile detention system back into the community.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all the staff working at Quamby. Their work is crucial to achieving positive outcomes for young people at risk.
Review of the safety of children in the care of the ACT and of ACT child protection management
Papers and statement by minister
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Children, Youth and Family Support, Minister for Women and Minister for Industrial Relations) (3.38): For the information of members, I present the following papers:
The Territory as Parent—
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .