Question On Notice No. 1477 asked in the Legislative Council on 14 August 2018 by Hon Alison Xamon
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Mental Health
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I
refer to the provision of residential drug and alcohol services for young
people from 18 to 24 years, and I ask:
(a) how
many beds are available in Western Australia; and
(b) how
many of these beds are available to young people in the adult or youth
justice system, specifically:
(i) young
people on bail;
(ii) young
people on parole; and
(iii) young
people otherwise accessing community justice or correctional services?
Answered on 11 September 2018
I am advised that:
(a) In 2018/19, the Mental Health Commission (MHC) will purchase a total of 258 beds for people aged 18 and over. The 258 beds consists of 226 residential alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment beds, 15 low medical withdrawal beds and 17 high/complex withdrawal beds.
Specifically for the youth cohort aged 12 to 22 years, the MHC funds Mission Australia to provide eight youth high/complex medical withdrawal and respite beds (integrated partnership with Next Step, located at East Perth) and 10 Youth Residential Treatment beds (Carlisle). As part of this service, following completion of residential treatment, a transitional accommodation service is available for up to three youth.
(b) Of the total 258 adult beds, none are specifically quarantined for the youth justice system. However, priority pre-entry assessment and support is given to young people aged 18 to 24 years or older who are referred to AOD residential treatment services through Western Australian Diversion programs.
Access and eligibility to residential treatment for a young person aged 18 to 24, who are on bail or parole or otherwise accessing community justice or correctional services, is determined jointly between the service provider and the Department of Justice.