Youth justice system
Matthew BACH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:34): (255) My question is again to Minister Erdogan, this time in his capacity as Minister for Youth Justice. Minister, an Alfred Health report evaluating the custodial forensic youth mental health service, released under freedom of information, paints a damning picture for detainees living with mental health issues both at Parkville and Malmsbury. The report found resources were limited and availability of clinicians impacted upon youths getting access to services, and staff noted that the fragmentation between the different services in centres vastly reduced their effectiveness. Minister, why is your government delivering such a poor service for youths living with mental health issues in youth justice custodial settings?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:35): I thank Dr Bach for his interest and his question in my youth justice portfolio. In terms of our system and the services it provides, I have given an example about Cherry Creek and the new model and new approach we are taking. It is a high level of service. It is intensive support and medical facilities but also looking at learning opportunities and vocational pathways to employment for the young people in custody to give them the best chance to really turn their lives around.
In terms of health services provided in our youth justice facilities, there are a range of services and partnerships in place. Obviously at our Cherry Creek facility we have got a new partnership with Barwon Health, so I think before making assertions about the system more broadly I would look and see and maybe monitor the results in the longer term. You will see that there are improvements to be made, and that is why we have a new partnership at Cherry Creek with Barwon Health, for example. But there are a range of activities and investments that we have made across the board to give young people the best chance to turn their lives around, and that means better access to primary health care.
Matthew BACH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:36): I do thank the minister. Minister, what is the government’s response to the 10 recommendations in the report?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:36): I thank Dr Bach for his supplementary and his interest in the report. In line with many of the reports we receive, I will have a close examination of the report and provide a response in due course.