Youth Justice Reform

Transition plan and discussion paper released for Youth Justice Reform

A transition plan detailing the steps to reform the Youth Justice System over the next three years was released on 2 December 2021, by the Minister for Children And Youth.

The Transition Plan includes three key components:

1. The development of the Youth Justice Blueprint that will set the strategic direction for the whole Youth Justice System over the next 10 years;
2. Establishing a process for developing and supporting the Youth Justice Workforce, including current staff at Ashley and other staff across the youth justice sector; and
3. Transitioning away from the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and the construction of two new, fit for purpose, custodial youth justice facilities – one in the north and one in the south.

The transition plan will be supported by a Youth Justice Reform Steering Committee and a project team.

A discussion paper for consultation that will inform the development of the Youth Justice Blueprint was also released. The Youth Justice Blueprint aims to develop a new approach to youth justice that intervenes early to address the complex factors that lead to youth crime; emphasises early intervention and diversion strategies; and responds to young people who come in conflict with the law.

The Blueprint discussion paper will be open for consultation on the Communities Tasmania website from 2 December 2021 until 28 February 2022.

Read more about Youth Justice Reform and the Reforming Tasmania’s Youth Justice System: A pathway for improving outcomes across the youth justice support continuum paper and the Discussion Paper.