Resources & Publications
Here you will find research and publications that reflect the principles of Smart Justice for Young People. These inform our vision of smarter approaches to youth justice. The publications come from a variety of disciplines, reflecting our belief in the need for holisitc approaches to young people and the justice system.
New online collection of social policy research
The Social Needs Directory is a searchable online database of research and publications on social policy and social issues. ACOSS and the National Pro Bono Resource Centre launched the database last week and, while there's over 500 publications available, they are open to suggestions for more. Take a look here.
Safe Spaces toolkit launched by community legal centres
Springvale Monash Legal Service and Western Suburbs Legal Service have released 'Safe Spaces: A Toolkit for Dealing with Police/Youth Conflict'. The toolkit looks at ways to address the problems of young people (particularly CALD young people) who have frequent contact with police. It also explores the pitfalls of community engagement initiatives that have been used in the past to address these problems. The toolkit is an invaluable resource to organisations seeking to undertake work in the youth-police relations area.
Letter to Chief Commissioner Lay
Over 10 organisations, including Smart Justice for Young People, have written to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay proposing ways forward in implementing the Coroner's recommendations from the Tyler Cassidy inquest. These recommendations include the need for youth specific training, training in identifying and engaging with people with mental health issues and a regular dialogue with community stakeholders on the steps Victoria Police are taking towards these goals. Read the letter here.
Report: Supporting Young People in Police Interviews
In June 2011, the Victorian Law Reform Commission launched its report, Supporting Young People in Police Interviews. This report came about as a result of calls from a range of Government and community agencies for reform to laws relating to the role of the Independent Person in police interviews... Read more
Judge Paul Grant's address at the launch of Smart Justice for Young People
Judge Grant, President of the Children's Court of Victoria, spoke about the vulnerabilities of those young people who come before the Court as well as highlighting the overwhelming majority of young people have no contact with the criminal justice system. The myths of a 'youth violence' problem are dispelled by the statistics presented by Judge Grant.
