On the verge of despair: Clive Deverall (kneeling) with South Perth residents who say the unfinished kerb is an accident waiting to happen.
Camera IconOn the verge of despair: Clive Deverall (kneeling) with South Perth residents who say the unfinished kerb is an accident waiting to happen. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Jail ‘not for dept to decide’

Karen Valenti, Comment NewsCanning Gazette

Last week, the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee called for the immediate release of 83 juveniles on remand in Hakea, Canning Vale.

Committee spokesman Marc Newhouse said the juveniles on remand should be placed in alternative care.

‘We are extremely concerned about juveniles being held in Hakea,’ he said.

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‘It is a prison already under pressure due to overcrowding and poor conditions.’

However, a DCS spokesman said the transition of young male offenders from Banksia Hill Detention Centre to the Hakea Juvenile Facility was now complete.

The task was carried out over two days without issue and the facility is now functioning on a standard regime.

He also said young people would have opportunities to learn while at the facility.

‘Education services have recommenced, and programs and visits are in place,’ he said.

‘There are 140 young offenders in the Hakea Juvenile Facility, of which 50 are on remand. A group of 12 young female offenders are detained at Banksia Hill Detention Centre.

‘While having detainees anywhere other than at Banksia is not ideal, the department has looked at all of the options from a number of angles and this solution is the best in the short to medium term, which has also been supported by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services.’