New juvenile detention centre adjacent to Canning Vale Prison

18/8/94

Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes today announced Western Australia's new juvenile detention centre would be located on land adjacent to Canning Vale Prison.

The centre would be south of the prison on land owned by the Ministry of Justice.

It would replace the outdated juvenile detention centres at Riverbank, Longmore and Nyandi.

"These centres have obsolete facilities and do not meet acceptable standards of security, management and rehabilitation," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Riverbank was built in 1960, Longmore 1965 and Nyandi 1970 and it is critical that they are replaced as soon as possible."

The first stage of the new centre will cost $31 million, accommodate 120 detainees and is expected to be completed by the end of 1996.

Stage Two provides for a further extension to cater for another 80 detainees and is expected to cost a further $9.5 million.  It should be finished by 2011.

"A new single juvenile detention centre is a vital part of the State Government's law and order election platform," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The Government has always acknowledged the need to replace and improve juvenile detention facilities, which have been badly neglected by the previous government.

"Most importantly, the new juvenile detention centre will increase community protection and provide better facilities to support rehabilitation programs."

Representatives from the Children's Court, Youth Legal Service, the Aboriginal Legal Service and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council were involved in early concept planning.

The new centre will be built along the lines of a 'campus' and provide a range of security levels.

Small living units, separate educational, vocational and recreational areas will make up the centre's 'campus'.

"It is essential that juveniles in detention have opportunities to acquire skills which will help them to develop into responsible citizens," Mrs Edwardes said.

"But we recognise that parents have a primary responsibility for the development of their children.  It is therefore essential that parents are also provided with opportunities to contribute to their children's rehabilitation.

"Importantly, the design and metropolitan location of the new juvenile facility will help meet both these requirements."

Mrs Edwardes said there would be a high level of physical separation between the new centre and Canning Vale Prison, with screening banks and a separate entrance to the detention centre.

Media contact:  Diana Russell-Coote 421 7777 or 018 906 948