The Inquiry into isolation and lockdowns
Two-thirds of children and young people in detention are victims of violence, abuse or neglect. Almost a third have mental health concerns. These children have been subjected to lockdowns, sometimes for more than 24hrs.
The Inquiry into isolation and lockdowns by the Commission for Children and Young People heard stories of children having to relieve themselves in isolation rooms because of the lack of toilet facilities.
Other children were deprived of toilet paper when they were on separation plans.
The Commission even saw evidence of children being ignored during periods of self-harm.
In many instances, isolation – especially for more than 24hrs – was imposed without appropriate authorisation.
Incredibly 83% of the lockdowns at Parkville and 78% at Malmsbury were because of staff shortages.
The situation is simply unacceptable.
Coming into the justice system as children means that someone, at some stage, has failed these children. The state is simply adding to that failure with such reckless indifference to the way it treats kids who have already suffered abuse and neglect.
Change must happen and it needs to happen now.
– Fiona Patten MLC
View the report here:
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/…/CCYP_-_Inquiry_Report_-…