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Australian Capital Territory - Legislation

Children and Young People Act 2008 (2008 - )

From
2008
Categories
Principal Act
Website
http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2008-19/default.asp

The Children and Young People Act 2008 (Act no.19/2008) repealed the Children and Young People Act 1999. The Act addressed the priority of responding early to concerns about children and young people and improving outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care and 'therapeutic protection.' The Act was passed on 17 July 2008.

Details

The Children and Young People Act 2008 addressed the priority of responding early to concerns about children and young people and improving outcomes for children and young people in out-of-home care and 'therapeutic protection.'

The Act incorporated much more comprehensive Juvenile Justice provisions requiring Juvenile Justice centres to comply with Human Rights legislation.

Provisions around 'emergency theraputic protection' were strengthened in regards to secure facilities designed to accommodate children and young people with severe emotional and behavioural problems.

The Act included significant care and protection reforms relating to prenatal care, drug use and domestic violence. It emphasised the need for more culturally specific care plans.

Out-of-home care standards were applied to all entities involved in out-of-home care. Greater attention was given to care leaving plans and access to personal information.

Timeline

 1935 - 1941 Juvenile Offenders (Detention) Ordinance 1935
       1940 - 1958 Juvenile Offenders (Probation) Ordinance 1940
       1941 - 1958 Juvenile Offenders Ordinance 1941
             1941 - 1987 Child Welfare Agreement Ordinance 1941
             1958 - 1988 Child Welfare Ordinance 1957
                   1987 - 2000 Children's Services Act 1986
                         1999 - 2009 Children and Young People Act 1999
                               2008 - Children and Young People Act 2008

Related Glossary Terms

Related Organisations

  • Bimberi Youth Justice Centre (2008 - )

    The Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is the first youth custodial centre in Australia to be designed and operated in accordance with Human Rights legislation as directed by the Children and Young People Act 2008.

  • Quamby Youth Detention Centre (1962 - 2008)

    The Children and Young People Act responded to concerns raised about the Quamby Youth Detention Centre requiring that future juvenile justice centres comply with Human Rights legislation.

Sources used to compile this entry: Law Research Service, Melbourne Law School, Law Library, The University of Melbourne. 'Find and Connect Project - Northern Territory Legislation', 1 February 2013, held in the project files at the University of Melbourne eScholarship Research Centre.

Prepared by: Lydia Connell and Christine Moje