A youth detention centre is set to be built at the Woodford Correctional Precinct.
The state government has also committed to building a youth detention centre near Cairns, although a site is yet to be identified.
There are currently three youth detention centres in Queensland: two in Wacol west of Brisbane and one in Townsville.
But the state government said, via a press release, that more youth detention centres were needed because of population growth, ageing infrastructure and tough new laws that were introduced to target young offenders.
The government said its goal was to provide more regional youth detention services, facilitating connection to family, community, country and support services during detention and when transitioning back into community.
Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said the new centres would make an impact.
“The Palaszczuk Government is listening to the community and implementing a comprehensive package of measures aimed at addressing youth crime in our community,” she said.
“Included in this package is the construction of two new youth detention centres.
“A comprehensive site search has been undertaken and we have locked in the Woodford site and an appropriate site will be identified near Cairns shortly.
“The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs continues to work with central government agencies to identify suitable interim detention options that can be brought online quickly should it be needed.”
Both new centres will include therapeutic design elements, which aim to support rehabilitation for young people and improve community safety.
These elements include smaller, more home-like accommodation units purpose-built to encourage young people, staff and stakeholders to work together; consultation and treatment rooms; multipurpose spaces for education, skills development and training; and spaces for cultural connection.
Ms Linard said the design elements would be beneficial.
“Therapeutic approaches to youth detention have been in operation across many jurisdictions, with evidence showing positive outcomes for young people including reduced recidivism and higher rates of successful reintegration into communities,” she said.
The two new centres are part of the state government’s comprehensive response to youth crime in Queensland.
The government has implemented tougher penalties for serious repeat offenders and is investing an additional $100 million in programs proven to break the destructive cycle of youth crime.
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