FEWER criminals are expected to end up in the Ashley Youth Detention Centre under legislative changes being proposed.
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Judges will be given more discretion in sentencing young criminals under the Youth Justice (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill that was tabled in Parliament yesterday.
Rehabilitation of an offender will be given more weight, with community-based orders likely to become more common as a result.
In sentencing, the court will also be required to consider what impact it will have on a young person's chance of finding or keeping employment.
The bill will also give judges the power to defer a sentence for up to 12 months, but this will be trialled before being enacted.
"The intent of this amendment is to continue to support rehabilitation in the community (which) may lead to a decrease in the number of admissions to Ashley Youth Detention Centre," a fact sheet stated.
If passed, the legislation will also mean:
- All serious child-sex offences involving young offenders will be heard in the Supreme Court.
- Youth justice workers will be invited to all community conferences with young offenders.
- Victims will be able to provide a statement explaining their experience for any indictable offence.
- A community service order can be carried out at any organisation, rather than just those that are non- profit.
- Parents or guardians must be notified of an arrest as soon as practical.
- Judges can demand young people undergo drug and alcohol testing.
Children's Minister Michelle O'Byrne said in May that she was actively working to find alternatives to the Ashley centre.
"There will always be a need for a secure facility for a small number of our most serious young offenders," Ms O'Byrne said at the time.
"I believe a smaller, less expensive secure facility, combined with expanded investment in alternatives to detention, would produce better outcomes for our young people and our community."