Young offenders will move into the Wacol Youth Remand Centre this week, following the facility’s official opening by the Queensland Government.
The new 76-bed facility features state-of-the-art security management systems as well as access to education and vocational training, rehabilitation programs, health care and support services.
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber said the new Centre would improve community safety and provided a much-needed capacity boost to the State’s youth detention system.
“Detention shouldn’t breed better criminals, and under Detention with Purpose, youth offenders will receive the intensive rehabilitation they need to get them back on track,” Minister Gerber said.
“Facilities like this mean more rehabilitation and more education, for less repeat crime and a safer community.
“Detention and remand are more than a place to sleep, they must be a tool in rehabilitation and this centre allows us to start delivering that reform, with real consequences for bad behaviour.
“Youth offenders will have access to education and rehabilitation programs inside the centre to develop the skills they need to have a productive future but there will also be clear consequences for actions.
“Youth who choose to commit the most serious crimes will serve the time under Adult Crime, Adult Time but, with effective early intervention and intensive rehabilitation programs we are giving them the best chance to turn their lives around.”
