In May 2009, the Government committed to converting Rangeview Juvenile Remand Centre in Murdoch to an 80-bed prison specifically for 18-22 year-old male offenders.
The Young Adults Prison will be the first of its kind in Western Australia, specifically designed to help young men turn away from a life of crime and ensure they do not become habitual criminals.
The new prison will focus on employment, structured days, training, offence-specific programs and health, among other interventions, to respond directly to the needs of the 18-22 year age group.
It will also address issues of drug and alcohol abuse, learning and social issues and homelessness - often barriers in this age group to effective rehabilitation.
The Young Adults Prison is due for completion by 2011. All juveniles in custody at Rangeview will eventually be transferred to Banksia Hill Detention Centre, once additional units are constructed within the Banksia Hill complex.
The multi-million dollar capital works at Banksia Hill that will enable Rangeview to be used as a young offender’s prison are part of the Government’s $655 million custodial infrastructure plan – the most significant custodial accommodation program in the State’s history.
Community liaison and consultation
The Department is currently seeking members of the community who are interested in being part of a Community Reference Group (CRG). The CRG will provide local input into the development of the Young Adults Prison and will play a pivotal long-term advisory role to the Department of Corrective Services.
People who live in either the City of Melville or the City of Cockburn are invited to submit expressions of interest to be members of the community reference group. The expression of interest application form can be downloaded below. Applications close 6 August 2009
A representative from the Department of Corrective Services will continue as a member of the Murdoch Precinct Strategy Group and regular updates on the progress of the conversion to a young adults’ prison will be sent to residents and local businesses.
More information on this project can be found in the Government’s media statement or in the fact sheet that can be downloaded below.
Last Updated: 6-Jul-2009
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