Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has called for immediate action following the release of the ACT Custodial Inspector’s 2024 Healthy Centre Review of Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
“The findings of this review are deeply concerning. Why are we stopping kids from hugging visiting family members? Children in detention in the ACT are being denied basic humanity,” said Mr Emerson.
“The ban on physical contact with visitors needs to be lifted immediately. This fundamental denial of connection is unacceptable in any modern justice system.”
Mr Emerson called on the government to move quickly in implementing the recommendations of the review, and to act as a nation leader when it comes to youth justice.
“International best practice involves supporting young people to build social and cultural connections by participating in community-based activities during their time in custody.
“We need to recalibrate our sense of risk if children are only ever leaving Bimberi, handcuffed, for health appointments.
“Children in detention should have opportunities to pursue supervised sporting, employment and educational opportunities outside of the walls of Bimberi.”
The review recommends a strategic purpose be articulated for the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, noting that the Blueprint for the Youth Justice System 2012-2022was allowed to expire without a replacement.
“The best efforts of staff members at Bimberi have been hamstrung by the failure of the ACT Government to guide their efforts with any kind of strategic plan.
”I’m hearing about piecemeal improvements with some encouraging green shoots, but we need a comprehensive plan targeted at addressing cycles of disadvantage, supporting children in detention to thrive upon reintegration into the community, and avoiding entrenching the very behaviours we should be aiming to prevent.”
The review describes the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT’s youth justice system as ‘a significant issue’, with 33 per cent of admissions to Bimberi during the review period identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
“Persistent over-representation of First Nations children in our justice system is a blight on our claim to be the most progressive jurisdiction in Australia. Addressing this problem requires a holistic approach focused on empowering First Nations children by offering community-controlled wraparound programs that cultivate and celebrate cultural identity.”
The Custodial Inspector’s report is available here.