NCJ Number
142101
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (October/November 1992) Pages: 29-32
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A June 1992 conference of the Australian Institute of Criminology focused on aboriginal justice issues, and resulting recommendations dealt with indigenous women, aboriginal women, juvenile justice, policing in aboriginal communities, corrections, and the courts.
Abstract
The conference format consisted of formal presentations and workshops, and workshops on the last day resulted in a series of recommendations to improve aboriginal justice. The recommendations on indigenous and aboriginal women concern the elimination of racism and injustice, communication and feedback so that women have input to policy and program development, research into the abuse and mistreatment of women, offender and victim counseling, family violence intervention, sexual abuse prevention, and the establishment of a support system for aboriginal women. The recommendations on juvenile justice focus on the need for cultural awareness programs for young people and families, the implementation of appropriate juvenile justice policies and legislation, the national introduction of aboriginal studies in schools and universities, the need to balance child protection and parental rights, and the development of preventive versus reactive juvenile justice policies and programs. With respect to policing in aboriginal communities, the recommendations deal with diversionary programs such as night patrols, the inclusion of aborigines in police departments, the improvement of police-community relations, the need for aboriginal communities to have more control in the justice system, and the inclusion of alcohol rehabilitation in sentencing options. Other recommendations stipulate needed reforms in the correctional and court systems.