Rethinking Youth Justice: Alternatives to Incarceration for Vulnerable Adolescents

In Australia, a parliamentary inquiry examines the mistreatment of youths in detention and the detention's compliance with human rights. The report emphasizes the need for alternatives, especially for youths with neurodisabilities like FASD. Diversion programs and early FASD detection could improve outcomes and prevent re-offending.

A parliamentary inquiry in Australia is highlighting the mistreatment of children in youth detention. It investigates compliance with children's human rights and underscores the need for minimum care standards at these facilities. This inquiry also explores alternatives to the current detention systems, particularly for those with neurodisabilities like FASD.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, impairing cognition and behavior. Many young detainees, who are often un-diagnosed, struggle with decision-making and processing consequences. Diversion programs, cheaper than incarceration, are showcased as effective options that support rehabilitation and reduce re-offending rates.

The call for immediate governmental action is clear: invest in evidence-based diversion programs, train justice professionals to recognize FASD, and ensure early detection. These steps are suggested as essential to improving life outcomes and preventing crime among Australia's most vulnerable youth.

(With inputs from agencies.)