Reforming the state's youth justice services and reconnecting with family, community and culture forms the heart of a new Liberal Government Youth Justice State Plan launched today.
Following extensive community-wide consultation, Young People Connected, Communities Protected: South Australia's Youth Justice State Plan 2020-23, outlines the State Government's strong plan to better support children and young people in the youth justice system.
The new state plan has a strong focus on addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in detention, as well as reforming the system, including a Marshall Liberal Government commitment to ban the use of spit hoods by June 2020.
A total of forty initiatives have been identified across six categories, including:
* Increasing recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff
* Monitoring and reviewing existing family-focused programs and services
* Delivering a targeted approach for school re-engagement
* Supporting Aboriginal children and young people to identify their own cultural pathways
* Strengthening pathways for young people's access to training and employment opportunities
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the new plan sets out how the Government will work with young people, communities, agencies and NGOs to deliver better youth justice services.
"Our vision is to provide South Australian children and young people in the youth justice system – and their families – with better support programs and services to achieve positive outcomes," said Minister Lensink.
"We're committed to continuing to deliver high quality youth justice services that reduce offending and support children and young people to make positive choices and realise their full potential, whilst also protecting the community.
"The new state plan has a strong focus on addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal young people in the justice system and it's really pleasing the numbers of Aboriginal children and young people in detention-based services is at a five-year low – and we're determined to continue to reduce those rates.
"This is an opportunity for the State Government to work with the community, our young people and families, agencies and NGOs to drive change that ultimately delivers positive, connected and culturally appropriate services and outcomes for children and young people."
For more information about the plan, visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au.
