Two new units at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre have opened, increasing the centre’s capacity.
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the two new units, which includes 12 new beds, will increase the centre’s capacity to continue to deliver safe and secure accommodation for young people remanded or sentenced to youth detention.
“Community safety is paramount, and the community also wants to see young people held accountable for their actions,” she said.
“While detention is a last resort for young offenders, unfortunately there are times it is necessary for the safety of the community.
“The safety of the young people in our care is also important, which is why we’ve invested $9 million to increase the number of beds at CYDC.”
Ms Farmer said the commissioning of the new units would help meet the additional demand created by transferring 17-year-olds from the adult justice system to the youth one in 2018.
“Bringing seventeen year olds back under Youth Justice supervision was the right thing to do, and brought us into line with every other jurisdiction in Australia,” she said.
“There are now no 17 year olds in adult prisons, which is something we’re proud of.
“The new accommodation which has now become operational will not only help meet additional demand, but it also allows the centre staff to actively implement behaviour programs that better meet the specific needs of the centre’s young people.”
Ms Farmer said the Queensland Government was working to keep young people from needing to be placed in custody in the first place by reducing offending which was a key component of Bob Atkinson’s report on Youth Justice and Major General Stuart Smith’s report on Townsville crime last year.
“Much of our Youth Justice Strategy focuses on early intervention, in line with the recommendations of Bob Atkinson’s and Major General Stuart Smith’s reports, along with further work on long-term infrastructure needs,” she said.
“These additional 12 beds are necessary for when courts do decide that a young person needs to be in detention.”
Ms Farmer said the safety of all staff and young people in youth detention is a top priority.
“The extra beds will help the centre maintain a safe environment for everyone,” she said.
The new units were due to be completed by the end of February, however were delayed due to the recent flooding in North Queensland.
