The first Residential Youth Justice Facility in Tennant Creek is set to open this week.
The facility, located in Juno about seven kilometres east of the town, will be able to accommodate up to six youth involved in the justice system until a purpose-built facility is completed.
A similar facility in Darwin will be up and running next month.
Starting in July, the Youth Court can order up to 16 young individuals to participate in the Darwin program, which will be managed by First Step Development Enterprises.
Efforts are underway to establish a facility in Katherine, while the Alice Springs courts already have the ability to assign young people to an existing service on Gap Road that provides Supported Accommodation Services.
The Gap Road Facility will remain in operation until June 2025, when a new residential youth justice facility is expected to be constructed.
Tenders for implementing programs in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will be released this week.
Community Youth Justice Officers, program and accommodation support staff, teachers, and Vocational Education and Training (VET) trainers will collaborate to deliver the programs.
The residential youth justice facilities model is designed to hold young offenders accountable for their actions while offering them opportunities for growth and training.
Young individuals will receive year-round education and training in all facilities that aligns with the local job market and employment opportunities.
They will also be held responsible for complying with their bail conditions.
If the conditions are violated, the youth will be brought back before the courts and sent to Youth Detention centres.
The Lawler Labor Government says its plan to reduce crime includes a significant increase of $570 million to the Police budget over five years.
This additional funding will recruit 200 more police officers, bringing the total to 1842 sworn officers.
It will also provide resources for 71 nonsworn operational support staff throughout the Territory.
Additionally, the budget boost will establish a dedicated police infrastructure program, Residential Youth Justice Facility set to open investing $125 million to construct new stations, watch houses, and other vital infrastructure to ensure the safety of Territorians.
“Young Territorians who are part of the justice system will be held accountable for their actions, and we will ensure they receive proper education and training so they have the best chance of turning their lives around and moving away from crime and towards employment,” said Chief Minister Eva Lawler.
“These residential youth justice facilities ensure that there are consequences for crime while also providing training and skills to Territory youth to break the cycle of re-offending.”
Minister for Territory Families Ngaree Ah Kit emphasised that the residential youth justice facilities serve as an intervention initiative to support young people in resetting their lives within a nurturing environment.
“The goal is to equip them with skills, education, and qualifications that will prepare them for employment and productive members of society.
The facilities will offer practical training in construction, horticulture, cooking, and conservation industries.”
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 21 June 2024.
