19 July 2024
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) representing Australia’s paediatricians, has reiterated its strong opposition to the incarceration of children in adult facilities, following deeply concerning reports of a young First Nations girl being detained in an isolation cell at an adult watchhouse in Cairns by the Queensland Police Service [1].
Professor Nitin Kapur, President of the RACP Paediatrics and Child Health Division and expert paediatrician, said that incarceration of young people, especially in adult facilities, can have profound negative impacts on the health, social and cognitive development of these children.
“Children under 14 years of age should not be in the criminal justice system in the first place, and we repeat our calls to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to at least 14 years, without exception.
“As a last resort, children over the minimum age of criminal responsibility should only ever be incarcerated in purpose-designed and purpose-built environments where proper health care (including specialist medical care) and suitable social supports are provided.
“Recent distressing reports out of Cairns highlights just how much of a psychological, emotional and physical toll incarceration in adult facilities can have on children.
“We have spoken with the Queensland Government and the opposition and urged a health-first approach to youth justice reform. Today we reiterate our calls for Queensland (and all other jurisdictions) to ensure that children are never incarcerated in facilities meant for adults.
“Children in custodial settings are especially vulnerable.
“Many children who interact with the criminal justice system often have underlying health conditions, making it even more important that they have access to adequate and appropriate supports.
“Queensland must coordinate, fund, and provide effective and timely health and wellbeing assessments for all children and young people entering custodial settings. This should be conducted by qualified health professionals, including referral to paediatricians.
“The RACP has long urged the involvement of child and adolescent physicians in both the design and delivery of healthcare services to children in the youth justice system, to support the effectiveness of the youth justice system and to prioritise health within it,” Professor Kapur said.
[1] SBS News - Exclusive footage shows children being placed in isolation cells in Queensland