Released 01/08/2017
I am pleased to release the Charter of Rights for Young People in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. The Charter will serve to increase awareness of young people’s rights and responsibilities, both among young people themselves and by staff and service providers.
The Charter was developed in consultation with the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner, the Human Rights Commission, young people in Bimberi and those who provide services to the centre.
The Charter demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to ensuring Bimberi operates within a human rights framework. The Charter is one element of this framework, which also includes oversight by the Human Rights Commission, Official Visitors and the Public Advocate.
There are 12 rights protected under the Charter, including the right to be treated equally with respect and dignity and the right to engage in education and training.
Importantly, the Charter makes clear that young people in detention have special rights related to their need for protection, rehabilitation and support, in addition to the basic needs shared by all people.
The Charter also sets out responsibilities for young people in detention, acknowledging a shared responsibility to respect and uphold the rights of other young people and staff at Bimberi.
The development of a Charter aligns with the strategic direction of the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT 2012-22, which includes a focus on the rights and the voice of the young person throughout the youth justice system.
Copies of the Charter are being provided to detainees and displayed throughout the centre from today. Education for young people to understand their rights and responsibilities will be provided by the Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre at Bimberi.
Current staff at Bimberi will receive training on the Charter through daily briefings and whole of centre staff meetings. The Charter will also be a core training module for all new staff during their induction program.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases