Youth Justice

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (15:19): My question is to the Minister for Human Services regarding youth justice. Can the minister update the council on budget initiatives to divert children from engagement in youth justice custodial services?

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for her question; it is one that we are actually extremely positive about, particularly given that there is a lot of concern in the community about the number of young people under the age of 14 who are, from time to time, in the Kurlana Tapa Training Centre, a number of whom are often there because there is no alternative available for them. We do know that the sooner children and young people are engaged with the youth justice system the more likely they are to engage in recidivist behaviour.

There is $1.3 million that is being committed over two years for a triage and support service for children aged 10 to 13 who are at risk of being remanded due to a lack of alternative accommodation. This service will connect children to family and family support services, broker short-term accommodation if required and link children and families to long-term intervention to better prevent the child's further entry into the youth justice system.

We know that the number of young people entering Kurlana Tapa has reduced over time, and it continues to reduce under this government. I think the numbers are, on average, probably around about 30 to 35 young people in the centre at any stage, and that has reduced from some 40 to 45. We are always keen to ensure that we are providing the most appropriate services to children and young people at the centre or when they come into contact with any parts of the justice system. We look forward to commencing this rollout and reducing the number of contacts with the youth justice system into the future.