The repurposing of the Secure Care Facility at Alice Springs prison to accommodate the growing inmate population has sparked alarm about the potential violation of the NT's international obligations against torture and inhumane punishment. The closure raises concerns about the access to appropriate care and support for prisoners with complex mental illness and cognitive disabilities.
The Secure Care Facility (SCF) at the Alice Springs prison, designed to support prisoners with complex mental illnesses and cognitive disabilities during their transition back into the community, was unexpectedly closed in September 2023. The closure, aimed at accommodating the growing prison population, has raised serious concerns about the potential violation of the NT's obligations under the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which prohibits inhumane punishment.
Jeswynn Yogaratnam, the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and head of the Community Visitor Program (CVP), expressed his alarm about the situation. The CVP, which monitors the treatment of individuals with mental illness and disabilities in prisons, noted in its latest annual report that the SCF had been vacant since September 2023 after being repurposed to house female inmates. Mr. Yogaratnam stated that he had previously raised concerns about this move in June 2022 with then-health minister Selena Uibo, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable prisoners without access to appropriate therapeutic care. He pointed to a lack of training among correctional staff and the potential for a regression in the wellbeing, behaviors, and therapeutic progress of individuals as key concerns.Criminal barrister Beth Wild echoed these concerns, expressing disappointment at the repurposing of the SCF, which had been the subject of years of advocacy for providing appropriate care to vulnerable individuals. Ms. Wild emphasized the inadequate training of correctional officers to handle prisoners with complex psychiatric and cognitive disabilities and stressed the need for treatment rather than immediate incarceration for this vulnerable group. She highlighted the possibility for these individuals to live safely in the community with proper support and treatment. The CVP is urging the government to reopen the SCF and conduct an urgent review of training for correctional staff to address the needs of prisoners with complex mental health and cognitive challenges.
MENTAL HEALTH PRISON REFORM HUMAN RIGHTS NT CORRECTIONS ABORIGINAL JUSTICE
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