Bed shortage hits youths in custody

Teens held in watch-house

CONCERNS have been aired that the state government needs to make room for more young offenders in detention centres, with sources saying teenagers have been held in the watch-house in recent weeks.

Sources said at least three young offenders were forced to stay in the watch-house the weekend before last due to a lack of beds at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.

But the state government said as of last Monday at 6am, there were 95 young people in the detention centre with 112 beds.

A Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs spokeswoman said the overall capacity at youth detention centres across the state had been increased by 33 per cent, from 230 beds in June 2018 to 306 beds this year.

“No young people are currently being held in watchhouses, other than for routine processing following arrest,” the spokeswoman said.

“When required, we work closely with QPS to support young people held in watchhouses while awaiting transfer to a youth detention facility. This may include providing mental health supports, educational services, family, cultural and legal visits as needed.

“Daily assessments are undertaken to prioritise admissions with the number of young people held in youth detention centres changing each day following court appearances, fresh arrests and releases.”

Last Monday, Brisbane Youth Detention Centre had only 14 beds available and the West Moreton Youth Detention Centre was full.

“Young people can be held in a QPS watch-house for a short period as part of normal processing, such as arranging transport and awaiting court appearances,” the spokeswoman said. “When watch-house bail is refused following arrest, young people are held in police custody until they are brought before a Childrens Court magistrate.

“If young people are subsequently remanded in custody by a court, they are then admitted to a youth detention centre.”