ARACY’s Post

This is a really interesting reflection on both the youth justice system specifically, and the culture of human service systems more generally. I have no claim to any expertise in the youth justice system - and I do not know how experts would react to the narrative & suggestions made here (I can guess). But I think where John Silvester nails it is with his observations about the way systems get entrenched & become unwilling/unable/too slow to change course & try new things. He suggests that self-interest, comfort with the current ways of working, & certain ideological stances contribute to this. I think he is probably right - and I would also throw in the fear policy makers & service providers have of trying something new that ends up being a failure. Spending a little bit of money on a new failure, runs the risk of attracting a lot more criticism than spending heaps of money on an old failure. Until that risk can be eliminated, we will never make the improvements we need. It is great that the current Government has been more willing than many others to try new things & new ways of working in multiple areas. It is also great that there are many leaders across the community & social services industry that are calling for the sort of smart innovation we need. The more we can encourage small innovative trials and incremental improvements to our current systems & services, the better off we will be in the long term. It's OK to fail with a new idea - it's less OK to keep failing by persisting with old ideas. #systemsreform #workforce #skills #socialinnovation https://lnkd.in/gtbCnXZe

What will it take to stop men being violent toward their partners and children? Australia is waking up to the reality of intimate partner homicide. Over the past few weeks,, we’ve seen media saturation, rallies and now a National Summit. Yesterday our Prime Minister announced the federal government will fully fund the Leaving Violence Program with a budget estimate of more than $900M and general commitments to tightening law reforms and controlling online behaviour.  The Prime Minister’s strategy falls short of what’s required on many levels and fails to answer the question of what will stop men’s violence. He promoted the LVP as a one-off payment of $5000, in actuality, it is $1500 plus goods and services. It is woefully inadequate. The LVP continues to put the onus on victims to stop the violence (by leaving) rather than forcing the perpetrator to take accountability by removing themselves or being forcibly removed from the situation. None of the Prime Minister’s headline announcements offer strategic breakthroughs for the upstream prevention of family violence.  For 10 years, RAV has been building communities where family violence can no longer live. We do that through conversation, education, action and investment. To stop men being violent we call on the Prime Minister to: 1. Remove bureaucratic blockages that are preventing the rollout of respectful relationship education throughout Australian high schools. 2. Build reliable community services so when people reach out for help they get it. 3. Ensure our policing and judicial systems puts the safety and well-being of victims, especially children, ahead of the needs of the perpetrator. 4. Instigate a widespread and ongoing whole-of-community respectful relationship education campaign via TV and social media to set a new national standard of healthy behaviour. 5. Buy a t-shirt, pay your entry, and participate in this year’s Run Against Violence.  Then you’ll know what real and lasting community development looks like. https://lnkd.in/gtXp7Pkv Kirrily Dear Kerrie Edwards Bsc GAICD Anthony Albanese #stopviolenceagainstwomen #familyviolence #domesticviolence #endthecycle #respectfulrelationships

The Queensland Government has introduced significant proposed amendments to the Youth Justice Act 1992, aiming to reshape the youth justice system. These changes signal a dramatic shift in how youth offenders are managed, with significant implications for victims, young people, and justice stakeholders. Submissions are open here, but the timeframe is very short: https://lnkd.in/gUrgYpFG #socialwork #youthjustice #qld

Sensible policy is policy based on evidence and not made to win votes or appease the loudest voices. The Government’s backflip on raising the age of criminal responsibility and their introduction of ankle monitoring goes against the evidence. Rachel Payne took the floor yesterday in Parliament to debate the Youth Justice Bill. This is someone passionate about creating sustainable change across our community. The transcripts of her speech articulate the concerns with Government’s current approach and highlights the complex factors intersecting with youth offending. https://lnkd.in/gzQuc3d9 We know the evidence yet Governments continue to create policies and processes that create more harm, more risk and cost tax payers millions…let alone ruin lives of children who were often victims before offenders. We need to look at youth offending from a systems lens. Invest in prevention and early intervention and look at long term sustainable solutions. This requires significant investment, whole of Government collaboration and long term vision- things that are seemingly absent from modern leadership. Thanks to Rachel and the other MPs who are giving a voice to those who are silenced and deeply impacted by these policies. #victoriangovernment #systemsthinking #legalisecannabisvictoria #youthjustice #raisetheage #rehabilition #dobetter

Over 50 organisations have joined us to demand whoever forms the next government creates a standalone Secretary of State for Women and Girls. Across health, housing, social care, the criminal justice system, education and more, women and girls are being failed. They deserve a champion with the political power and time to drive forward the change they need across every government department. That's why, together, we're #CallingSOS on the crisis women and girls are facing. Read our joint letter to party leaders here: https://buff.ly/3V7fWSQ

Along with more than 50 other organisations we've signed this letter from Agenda Alliance calling for the next government to make sure there is a dedicated Secretary of State for Women & Girls. We believe women and girls should be represented at the highest level of politics, especially those experiencing multiple disadvantage. Women experiencing disadvantage and misogyny are often stigmatised and labelled. It should be recognised that they are whole individuals, who are hopeful, inspiring, joyful, aspirational and caring, while experiencing multiple unmet needs. So, this #GeneralElection2024, we're #CallingSOS on the crisis women and girls are facing. Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/ePBMJaXw

I read this article yesterday & I am stilling refelcting on the research that was carried out and the data compiled from the participation of males and females under the age of 18. Child Crinimal Exploitation (CCE) is rife especially in what is considered disadvantaged & marginalised communities. I see it every day where I live and work. The duress on young people within these communites to become "runners" is substantial. Can you imagine this "opportunity" being placed before a young person that could be experiencing poverty, trauma, oppression and no supports - What are they going to choose, remember they are children ? Yes, it is usually always to become "runner" & before they know it they are in over their heads and see no way out. Based on my lived expereince this is a far too common experience for a lot of chidren and young people. I'm horrifed to see children, yes children as young as 8 years old now becoming involved in this activity 😭 As a professional I need to hold onto Hope that the work I do alongside my amazing team & colleagues within this sector can be transformative for children and young people. Every child and young person deserves a chance in life - I will not stop advocating for access to equal opportunites for children and young people irrespective of their socio enconmic profile. One of the encouraging findings from the research for me was that "Most also spoke warmly of their youth clubs and leaders." "The most common response when asked what would help young people avoid CCE was “more youth groups”. We keep chipping away, our work is never in vain even if it can be transformative for one young person. Together we're stronger 🤝 "Three of the four groups of young people agreed CCE was prevalent in their areas and bound up with the drugs trade with young people operating as “runners” or carrying out “asks” such as hiding items or keeping an eye out for gardaí. Participants also believed that once a young person set a precedent of compliance, however small, it was impossible to refuse further assistance to criminal gangs."

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting five significant bills that successfully passed their legislative vetting and scrutiny, gazzeting, and first reading on the floor of the House. These bills address critical issues across various sectors, with some aimed at enhancing the structure of our constitution, while others focus on promoting public health and equitable development. 1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Multilayer Policing) Bill, 2024 (HB.1807) – Going beyond widespread calls for state policing to incorporate local enforcement structures, this bill proposes a comprehensive multilayered approach to policing. It aims to create a responsive, community-centered framework that addresses specific security needs at all levels, ensuring better access to justice and safety for all Nigerians. 2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Compensation in the Land Use Act) Bill, 2024 (HB.1808) – This legislation seeks to establish fairer compensation mechanisms within the Land Use Act, protecting landowners' rights and promoting equitable development across Nigeria. 3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811) – This bill advocates for the inclusion of historically underrepresented groups, such as women and persons with disabilities, in our electoral framework through the creation of special seats. I intend to seek the consolidation of this bill with the Reserve Seats Bill, sponsored by the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and others, as it shares similar goals. This way, the provisions I have put forward can be considered for a more unified and inclusive approach. 4. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Expand Criminal Categories) Bill, 2024 (HB.1814) – This bill broadens the categories of recognized crimes, addressing emerging challenges to enhance the justice system’s responsiveness. 5. Compulsory Genotype Screening Bill, 2024 (HB.1812) – This bill mandates genotype screening as a public health measure to increase awareness of genotype compatibility, aiming to reduce the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease. It is important to note that this bill does not seek to prevent any couple from marrying; rather, it ensures that ignorance is no longer an excuse by requiring individuals to make informed decisions about their genotype compatibility. I also wish to acknowledge the vital role of Dr. Ayomide Olanipekun, a constituent and founder of OA Initiative, whose expertise in genetic health advocacy was instrumental in drafting this bill. The passage of these bills represents a step toward a more equitable society. As we progress, I am optimistic that these initiatives will positively impact our citizens and strengthen our democratic principles. AkinOmOAkin

Important post and read about #ChildCriminalExploitation 👇

The world has gone crazy!  Across Australia, the youth crime rate has gone through the roof! Queensland, Victoria, and the Northern Territory are the ones you hear of but what about the rest? The age change does not solve the problem, it makes it worse!  These kids are not stupid, they know when the police can't touch them, the parents have no authority over them, and the courts will not lock them up, so they do what they want! They are not bad kids, they have just been allowed to run feral. They do know the difference between right and wrong, and by choosing wrong, is it too late? All this is thanks to the woke social engineering that is destroying families and communities. We need to give power back to parents, the community, the police, and the law.   That means working with parents so they can be empowered, getting them an education that gives them purpose and teaching them to obey the law.  Instead of sending them to jail, send them to work where they can learn to respect themselves and others, teach them basic economics and social skills, and teach them to think differently.  We need to give them programmes that give them higher values and a sense of belonging before they join groups that lead them astray. Start teaching them as early as possible. #AskMundine #YouthCrime #Austrlia #EarlyEducation #SkyNews