Page 953 - Week 03 - Thursday, 30 March 2006
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(10) How does the Government meet its obligation to release young people to the community at the earliest possible time, which must be on the basis of an individual assessment in each case;
(11) With respect to abused children and young people who commit offences, or are alleged to have committed offences, and are detained at Quamby (a) what efforts does the Government make to meet its obligation to cater for their needs as victims of abuse, (b) how does the Government investigate the background of residents such that factors contributing to their behaviour, such as parental abuse, may be identified and addressed and (c) how does the Government integrate its range of services in support of such children and young people;
(12) Does the Government recognise the importance of supporting young people in detention in their contact with the broader community, and with specific people of significance in their lives;
(13) Does the Government allow parents or guardians to control who the detainees may contact.
Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) A review of the Quamby Standing Orders was undertaken as required pursuant to section 419 (now expired) of the Children and Young People Act 1999. This was completed on 30 September 2005.
A further revision of those Standing Orders is nearing completion.
(2) The ACT Government is working progressively to implement the 52 recommendations of the Human Rights Audit of the Quamby Youth Detention Centre to enable compliance with the ACT Human Rights Act and the Children and Young People Act.
(3) Yes. The Government will be seeking to work towards compliance with these agreements through the establishment of the new Youth Detention Centre.
(4) The Human Rights Commissioner’s Audit has provided the ACT Government with advice on compliance issues at Quamby.
(5) Quamby provides a case management service to all young people in custody. Programs are provided to children and young people as determined by their needs and interests.
(6) The range of offences for residents on remand during the second quarter of 2005-06 include aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary with intent to steal, burglary with intent to steal, ride motor vehicle without consent, drive motor vehicle without consent.
The range of offences for residents on committal orders during the second quarter of 2005-06 include escape from arrest/custody, burglary with intent to steal and theft, ride motor vehicle without consent, burglary with intent to steal, attempted aggravated robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, aggravated burglary with intent to steal, culpable driving causing death and take motor vehicle without authority.
(7) The determination of whether a young person is held in custody at Quamby Youth Detention Centre rests not with the Minister but with the ACT Children’s Court, the ACT Supreme Court or Police.
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