Legislative Council report into Ashley Youth Detention Centre backs need for supported accommodation
Like most weeks lately, it's been another huge week in Tasmanian politics.Not to be overshadowed by the release of that other report into the Pulp Mill, the Legislative Council Select Committee report into the Ashley Youth Detention Centre was unveiled this week.
In brief I found it a mature, well informed paper which presented 32 well thought out recommendations.
The most relevant with regard to these pages is Recommendation 4:The Government should actively encourage and resource non government organisations to provide supported accommodation for young people on remand and for young people exiting any period of custodial detention;as it effectively endorses the Launceston City Mission's drive to establish Ashley House for those exiting detention.
Of course this recommendation goes further in that it proposes a supported accommodation model as a remand alternative to Ashley, but the reality is that that may be some way off even if the Recommendation is accepted in full. As of now though it is the Mission who have courageously stepped forward to meet the needs of at least some of the young people and they deserve this community's total support. Once again I urge Launcestonians to contribute generously to the Ashley House campaign.
The full LCSC Ashley, Youth Justice & Detention Report is available from http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/ashley.htm
Post script - I read in The Examiner of 14 July that LCM have received a grant of $75,000 from the Tasmanian Community Fund for Ashley House. That's great news, but don't think your personal contribution isn't still needed or valed.
posted by Alan Melton @ 11:01 pm
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