Youth camp on agenda
A REPORT into the controversial Brahminy program in the Northern Territory recommends Tasmania start its own ‘ tough love’ camp after the mainland program was criticised.
However, the state government will continue to use the program for young Tasmanians at risk.
THE state government will continue using a Northern Territory program for young Tasmanians at risk, but has committed to creating an equivalent local program.
Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch has released a report into the Many Colours 1 Direction ( MC1D), formerly known as Brahminy, following complaints about the treatment of children in the program.
Staff from the Department of Communities visited the Northern Territory youth camp from October 12- 15.
A 34- page investigative report produced by the department said all children in the program were safe and progressing well.
“The investigative review determined that whilst challenging incidents are expected in this type of program, the effectiveness and outcomes of the program for the young people as they attempt to change course are beyond dispute … overall this investigative review concluded that the young people residing in MC1D are safe and well,” the report concluded.
Mr Jaensch said he was comfortable the program was a safe and appropriate place for the children.
“Removing them to another care placement before they are ready is not in their best interests. All allegations and concerns raised in the context of recent media reports have been thoroughly investigated,” he said. The report made four recommendations:
PLACING a Tasmanian child safety staff member on site at MC1D.
CREATING media reporting guidelines for children and young people. Mr Jaensch said media reporting around the MC1D allegations had impacted on the wellbeing on the children in the program. IMPROVING independent monitoring and oversight of the program, including by the state’s Children’s Commissioner.
ESTABLISHING an equivalent program in Tasmania.
Mr Jaensch said an expert panel to investigate creating a local program would be appointed in January with advice to be provided to the government by June.
The state government is paying the equivalent of $ 274,000 a child per year for MC1D, which uses “tough love” techniques for troubled kids who are not suited to mainstream programs.
There are currently six Tasmanian children in the program.
The recommendation for media reporting guidelines around at- risk young people was rubbished by Labor child safety spokesman Josh Willie.
“Roger Jaensch has been shamed into action … had there not been public scrutiny and media reporting around this issue, no action would have been taken,” Mr Willie said.
“We have had deep concerns about this program since 2016 … It’s firmly our view that there should be a Tasmanian based program and that’s our focus, and we will be holding the government to account to make sure a Tasmanian program is developed as quickly as possible.”