Youth in program to return

THE four young Tasmanians remaining in a controversial youth diversion program in the Northern Territory are safe and would head home soon, Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff says.

Mr Rockliff on Tuesday responded to ABC reports the director of the program had been overhead swearing at and berating one of the young Tasmanian people in the Many Colours One Direction program he runs. The program was the subject of an inquiry by the state government after complaints last year.

“It’s my understanding is that the Department of Communities have assured that all the young people at MC1D are safe, and of course it is reviewing the matter,” Mr Rockliff said.

“You will be very well aware (of) the Tasmanian government’s decision back in July to accept the expert panel’s recommendations to transition away from the program and there’s been no further placements in the program since the investigative review was announced in October last year.

“My understanding also is that each of the young people at the program has an individual transition plan in place where return to Tasmania is appropriate and to ensure that all supports necessary are provided to them to ensure a safe and stable transition.

“Visits by child safety and family members are scheduled in coming weeks as part of those transition plans.”

The government last month announced plans to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre after a series of scandals.