this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2023
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More than five years after a royal commission recommended Darwin's notorious Don Dale Youth Detention Centre be closed, the facility is still in use.

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[–] abhibeckert@beehaw.org 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

What should Don Dale be replaced with? Should those kids be sent to an adult prison instead? Or released to fend for themselves? Their own family has usually demonstrated they won't look after them properly and released kids are typcally caught committing serious crimes immediately Often within hours of being released.

It's easy to say "this isn't good enough" but there's a serious lack of actual meaningful solutions being proposed by anyone.

In my opinion the only good alternative to youth detention is foster care. But there aren't enough foster carers - especially ones willing to take in teenagers with a criminal record.

[–] princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

There are already systems in place for supporting youth with homelessness. Here’s one such program. Funding these more would help immensely. Also, it feels like you’re blaming the kids themselves for recidivism. The system right now is designed for them to fail. Often these ”serious crimes” they’re caught doing are acts of survival.

Foster carers also just aren’t trained professionals. These programs have supports with developing independence, education, housing and psychological services. They have crisis accomodation and assisted living services

I don’t see a lack of “actual meaningful solutions” being proposed, I see someone who has no idea what they’re talking about running their mouth.

[–] abhibeckert@beehaw.org 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Foster carers also just aren’t trained professionals

A lot of them actually are and training is available for those who aren't. For example, a friend of mine is a foster carer and also works, professionally, for a government office dedicated to keeping as many kids as they can out of juvenile detention. A lot of funding is being allocated to the problem.

What kids need is a safe home. Don Dale certainly isn't that, but it is better than being on the street.

Often these ”serious crimes” they’re caught doing are acts of survival.

When a 12 year old kid decided to steel our car and take it for a joy ride, that wasn't an act of survival. Thankfully nobody was killed.