A child resident from Ashley Youth Detention Centre was bought a tent by a state worker and released into homelessness, Labor raised in Tasmanian Parliament today.
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Labor leader Rebecca White repeatedly asked Child and Youth Minister Sarah Courtney whether a child was released into homelessness in June this year, and whether "a worker bought a tent for this child so they had somewhere to sleep?"
"I ask again: was a child released from Ashley in June this year with nowhere to go and, instead, ended up living in a tent in the middle of winter, yes or no? You say that children released from Ashley are given accommodation options. Do you consider a tent an appropriate option."
Ms Courtney said the government worked with a range of providers to provide support to youth as they leave the centre.
"Clearly, I cannot go into the specific circumstances of young people. However, I assure the House that planning does happen for young people prior to their departure from Ashley. We look at steps we can take, often partnering with other organisations, to ensure that our young people can stay safe and protected," Ms Courtney said.
"I cannot comment on individual circumstances. The Department of Communities Tasmania has advised that young people are not released from Ashley Youth Detention Centre into tents."
Ms Courtney said the government is working on a new overarching justice blueprint.
"We have also talked about the fact that we need to ensure we have mechanisms in place to support young people as they leave custodial youth justice. Young people who are currently sent to Ashley Youth Detention Centre by the court may remain in custody on remand for only a short period of time and, on their release, return to their families or other arrangements they were in before their time in custody," she said.
"Others are sentenced to detention for longer periods, allowing time to plan for their release. A multidisciplinary case management team develops an exit plan that takes into consideration the preferences of the young person. All residents have accommodation options as well as other supports identified as part of this planning."
Premier Peter Gutwein announced in September that Ashley Youth Detention Centre will close within three years.