Page 1673 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 3 June 2014
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Islander young people in the youth justice system, which was one area highlighted by the blueprint?
MS BURCH: A key goal of the blueprint is to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the youth justice system. I am pleased to say that since the blueprint there has been a decrease in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people under youth justice supervision, and also in the number of days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people spend in detention.
Actions under the blueprint include initiatives to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to explore their cultural identity and strengthen their sense of belonging, and provide services that address key risks for youth offending.
One example is the case management and support initiative. This provides intensive and flexible support for young people through collaboration and a case management approach. It strengthens relationships with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and service providers and coordinates program delivery for young people and their families at high risk of involvement in the justice system.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
The redevelopment of the Narrabundah House Indigenous Supported Accommodation Service helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to stabilise their lives when they are at risk of entering custody or becoming homeless.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Hanson, you are on a warning.
MS BURCH: A family engagement officer is based at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. A key strategy of the blueprint is improving collaboration across government and community services. An important example of this collaboration is the work undertaken in the Galambany Circle Sentencing Court by the Justice and Community Service Directorate. This provides a culturally relevant sentencing option for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders, including young people. The court helps provide a culturally sensitive court environment by incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and respected persons of the community. Work will continue under the blueprint to reduce the overrepresentation.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, what opportunities does the Murrumbidgee education and training centre provide to young people in the youth justice system, and what positive outcomes have you seen?
MS BURCH: I thank Ms Berry for her interest. The Murrumbidgee education and training centre helps young people in Bimberi to participate in literacy and numeracy skill development, art, woodwork, music and horticulture. The Murrumbidgee
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