The Department of Corrections is proposing using the Canterbury Youth Facility as an MIQ Facility for Canterbury Prisoners entering the regional prison system.   The government is understandably dismayed at this potential decision.  Let’s put pressure on the government to stop the dept of Corrections in this decision. 

Closing the Youth Facility would result in Young Offenders as young as 15 entering the Adult Prison system in Canterbury.  For many of these young men we would putting them in an environment they will be at risk.  The consequences of youth in prison environments is well established and researched. Many may face a lifetime of gang influence and crime if this were to go ahead.  Incarcerating young people with adults is also a well established Human Rights Breach.  

We are imploringThe Right Hon Andrew Little to insist the Dept of Corrections retract this proposed decision immediately.