Treatment and care over punishment and detention – even more critical for young people Alternative formats available on request to PIAC - Contact PIAC
This submission responds to the issues and questions raised in the NSW Law Reform Commission’s Discussion Paper: Young people with cognitive and mental health impairments in the criminal justice system (the Consultation Paper)
The submission discusses the specific issues young people with a cognitive disability or mental health condition experience when in contact with the juvenile justice system. It recommends that changes are required to legislation and support services to ensure they are diverting this group of young people from the justice system in the short and long term. It explains why changes are needed to legislation governing criminal proceedings, the policing of young people on bail, bail applications, and sentencing. The submission also considers the importance of services for young people requiring support that are granted bail.