Caboolture’s designated child-specific watchhouse is facing intense criticism as it grapples with a surge in adult detainees, leading to prolonged stays for juveniles, some exceeding 17 days.
Advocacy groups warn that this situation is symptomatic of a broader overcrowding crisis across South East Queensland’s detention facilities.
The Youth Advocacy Centre raised serious concerns about the operational practices at the Caboolture facility. They stated that the presence of adults, even in separate sections, compromises young people’s well-being. The central issue revolves around adults receiving priority processing, which in turn delays access to legal representation, education, and support services for the detained children. Reports indicate that the watchhouse, intended for a capacity of 31, has simultaneously housed adults and many young people.
Leaked internal documents revealed that other watchhouses in the region are also struggling. Southport, Logan, and Coolangatta have reported multiple instances of overcrowding in recent weeks, placing immense strain on resources. In Southport, capacity issues surfaced at least nine times in nine days. Logan’s lockups were overwhelmed multiple times, and Coolangatta’s facility was consistently filled.
The situation in Caboolture, initially intended as a youth hub, has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of suitability as a long-term detention centre. Concerns have been raised about the facility’s adherence to youth justice standards, which mandate access to medical, educational, and psychological support. Critics argue that the watchhouse functions more as a temporary holding pen than a proper detention facility.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that the Caboolture watchhouse is a central point for young people awaiting transfer to youth detention centres. She added that adults are held separately and transferred as quickly as possible. However, the prolonged stays of juveniles, some lasting over two weeks, contradict this statement.
The Office of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services acknowledged the pressures on the system, blaming previous administrations for inadequate infrastructure investment. They stated that the Caboolture facility will remain in use until the Wacol Youth Remand Centre opens later this year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak expressed alarm over the co-location of adults and children. They emphasised the need for purpose-built facilities that cater to the specific needs of young people, rather than placing them in adult-centric environments.
Police sources further highlighted the strain on other facilities, with officers from Southport forced to transport offenders to already overcrowded lockups in Logan. This creates a domino effect, leading to cramped conditions and limited access to essential services. Concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged stays in such environments were raised.
A criminologist from Bond University attributed the current crisis to previous governments’ lack of strategic planning. He argued that while bail laws for young offenders were tightened, insufficient resources were allocated to accommodate the increased demand for detention facilities. He stated that existing facilities should have adequate capacity and that new watchhouses are not necessarily the solution.
Published Date 23-Feb-2025
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