Inquiry into Youth Justice Centres in Victoria

That, pursuant to Sessional Order 6, this House requires the Legal and Social Issues Committee to inquire into and report on, no later than Tuesday, 1 August 2017, issues at both Parkville and Malmsbury Youth Justice Centres including, but not limited to —

1. matters relating to incidents including definitions, numbers and any changes to the reporting of incidents;
2. the security and safety of staff, employees and young offenders at both facilities;
3. reasons for, and effects of, the increase in the numbers of young people on remand in the last 10 years;
4. implications of incarcerating young people who have significant exposure to trauma, alcohol and/or other drug misuse and/or the child protection system, or who have issues associated with mental health or intellectual functioning, in relation to — a. the likelihood of reoffending; b. the implications of separating young people from their communities and cultures;
5. additional options for keeping young people out of youth justice centres;
6. the culture, policies, practices and reporting of management at the centres;
7. the role of the Department of Health and Human Services in overseeing practices at the centres; and
8. any other issues the Committee consider relevant.