2017-07-31
“We know that a young person’s time in detention will have consequences not only for their time during detention, but for years to come—impacting their lives, and the lives of their families and community,” Ms Le Couteur said.
“By ensuring that young people are aware of their rights and responsibilities while in detention, we’re helping young people to move forward with their lives, and interact with others from a shared understanding of their mutual rights and responsibilities towards one another.
“When it comes to protecting the rights of children, we cannot afford any further delay, particularly given the apparent erosion of cultural practice in the Bimberi Youth Facility among some staff more recently,” Ms Le Couteur said.
The Australian Children’s Commissioners and Guardians first called for jurisdictions to develop such a Charter in 2014.
“This news arrives not a day too soon for young people in detention, their families, and the wider community,” Ms Le Couteur added.
Earlier statements from Ms Le Couteur on the Charter can be found here.