WACOSS |

WACOSS membership is made up of a vast network of individuals and organisations who are committed to our vision to create an inclusive, just and equitable society for all Western Australians.

WACOSS’s policy submissions and advocacy work are aimed at influencing policy decision makers at both a State and Federal level to provide a voice for vulnerable Western Australians.

WACOSS events provide a unique opportunity to network with sector leaders and take part in important sector discussions that will shape the future outcomes for those we represent.

WACOSS’s policy submissions and advocacy work is aimed at influencing policy decision makers at both a State and Federal level to provide a voice for vulnerable Western Australians.

Statement on the outcome of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory

November 20, 2017

Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) supports the recommendations in the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory report, and is pleased that the recommendations have focused on early intervention measures that aim to keep young people out of child protection and youth justice systems.

WACOSS has championed for therapeutic approaches to health, education, and the prevention of harm, following the report into Western Australia’s youth detention centre, Banksia Hill, and is pleased to see this included in the Royal Commission’s report.

Western Australia is not dissimilar to the NT. Aboriginal children and young people represent 54% of all children in Out of Home Care in WA, and three quarters of young people in custody. This over-representation needs to be addressed at a national and state level.

It is important that the report’s recommendations are implemented immediately and that the State, Territory, and Federal Governments work collaboratively with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, to reform the youth justice system in this country.

The Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory Report can be found here.

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