Consultation is underway on the direction of youth justice in the ACT over the next decade, ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch said today.

Ms Burch said the Blueprint for Youth Justice in the ACT was an important piece of work that will set the strategic agenda for the youth justice system over the next five to 10 years.

“It will define how we assist vulnerable young people who have some of the most complex needs of any Canberrans and it is important to have community input into what is a shared community responsibility,” Ms Burch said.

“We want people to tell us how we can improve the lives of young people either at risk of coming into contact with the youth justice system or who are already involved in the justice system, and also their families.”

The Blueprint is being developed by the Youth Justice Implementation Taskforce, which comprises representatives of the government and community sectors. The Blueprint is part of the Government’s response to Human Rights Commission’s report into the youth justice system.

The Taskforce is particularly seeking feedback on key components of the Blueprint, including the overarching vision, guiding principles, outcomes, strategies and actions to achieve and the things that we want to see changed for children and young people and their families.

Members of the public will be able to take part in community forums hosted by the Taskforce that will take place throughout Canberra in early 2012 or send in comments directly to the Taskforce. Community agencies will also host targeted consultation activities and events over the coming months.

Information on the Blueprint consultation can be found online at www.dhcs.act.gov.au/ocyfs/youth_justice_implementation_taskforce, or www.communityengagement.act.gov.au or www.timetotalk.act.gov.au.

The consultation period will be open from December 2011 until 30 March 2012.