THE YOUTH JUSTICE SYSTEM QUEENSLAND NEEDS A Public Policy Proposal from the Balanced Justice Campaign 2017-18

BALANCED JUSTICE .....WHO’S THAT? Since 2013, a network of 22 professional leaders and researchers whose long-term experience across Queensland has formed some insights, convictions and commitments to action; some of us early retired; most of us currently active; all pro bono Representing law enforcement, legal practice, youth work, mental health, primary care, paediatrics, secondary education, vocational training, criminology, legal research, corrections, community-engaged churches Substantial relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders and emerging professional leaders among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland. (First Peoples)

The Nitty Gritty Numbers – DJAG Youth Offender Statistics: 2015-16 + 422,495 Queenslanders aged 10-17 years + 3,491 with at least 1 proven offence (0.8%) + 1,294 on s’vised community orders (0.3%) + 186 in detention (average daily snapshot) + Average of 6.8 proven offences per offender + 73% male; 27% female + Most common offences: theft, burglary, property damage, car stealing (total 63%) + Very little violence ... Mostly amongst other young people

IN DETENTION – SERIOUS OFFENDERS Daily Snapshot (Brisbane and Townsville Combined) + 78% were on charges – remanded in custody + 69% were ATSI children + 80% had experience in out-of-home care + Average remand duration – 40 days + Average sentence duration – 60 days

YOUTH JUSTICE CONFERENCING: A MAJOR DIVERSIONARY PROCESS The Youth Justice Conferencing System – Now at 28 Locations 2011-2 2012-3 2013-4 2014-5 2015-6 Numbers of Young Offenders Involved 2,937 1,530 850 894 841 Level of satisfaction from all participants 99% 98% 99% 99% 99% Rate of non-offending In subsequent 12 mths 94% na na na na

YOUTH CRIME AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY – WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT? VICTIM CARE AND SUPPORT (TRAUMA INFORMED) ENGAGEMENT – POTENTIAL OFFENDERS RESTITUTION DIVERSION CASE WORKER AND MENTOR JOURNEY EARLY INTERVENTION – KID AND FAMILY HEALTH AND EDUCATION ASSESSMENT LOCAL COLLABORATIONS (EDUCATION/VOC TRAINING) ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AVENUES FAMILY CONNECTION + HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS CELEBRATE THE MILESTONES

BALANCED JUSTICE PROPOSALS TO THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT – FOUNDATIONAL STUFF + Embrace a government and community partnership model + Be rigorous in understanding the quality of evidence for any measure under consideration + Give special attention to the Justice Reinvestment measures which have delivered well in comparable jurisdictions over the past 10-15 years + Give high priority to genuine conversations with the community (region by region). Take the people with you!

THE SPECIFICS – CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT (2017-18) As the current 17 yo cohort is transferred into the YJ system, ensure that all have been comprehensively health-screened – and linked into services Legislate for the removal of all 10-13 yo children from the YJ system. Create alternative care and control orders for specialised medium to longer term fostering Establish a flexible, secure remand service across the regions for those remanded in custody. Only detain a remandee in custody in the most exceptional circumstances. 4. Build and operate a fit-for-purpose primary, mental health and disability screening system; mandate its use with all young offenders when formally charged.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT (2017-18) (CONTINUED) Work closely with the QPS towards closer co-ordination with their cautioning system; its operational challenges, performance outcomes, potential for direct referrals into Youth Conferencing. Assess comprehensively the potentials of mentoring on a continuously supported and monitored basis; its various applications for young offenders and those at risk; closer linkage with both the QPS and YJ Youth Conferencing systems. Build on the Pilot outcomes of First Peoples On Country preventative, healing and rehab programs. Integrate these more closely to the mainstream YJ system. Resource them accordingly. Establish two pairs of Justice Reinvestment projects as demonstration projects – only on a government and community foundation: Logan and Townsville; Gladstone and Mount Isa

FINALLY ......... This is one of our biggest social, economic and spiritual challenges .. a major fault line in our society. There is good news ... We can do this. None of us is as good as all of us!