Submissions
Practical Lessons, Fair Consequences. Improving Diversion for Young People in Victoria
CASA Forum (2012)
We know from research that the earlier a young person becomes involved with the juvenile justice system the more likely they are to move onto a life of contact with the adult criminal justice system. It is therefore important that there are sufficient options available for young people when they get into trouble to assist them get their life back on track. Family support is the major factor that assists young people feel part of a community and that they have a role to play in that community.
Submission to the Inquiry into Sexting - June 2012
CASA Forum (2012)
It is clear that the practice of sexting has taken the adult world by surprise. It was not foreseen that young people and children with mobile phones and computers with cameras would start sending intimate pictures of themselves to each other. It is even clearer that the legislation has been simultaneously woefully inadequate and draconian in its response to this unexpected development.
Submission on Victorian Sex Offenders Registration
CASA Forum (2011)
Putting juveniles on the Sex Offenders Register serves no useful purpose. There is a considerable amount of research which shows that juveniles generally do not keep committing sex offences especially if they receive treatment.
Protecting Victoria's Vulnerable Children Inquiry
CASA Forum (2011)
Child Protection will not be able to keep all children safe. This society would not accept the degree of regulation that would prevent any child being hurt. Children’s well being and safety is a whole of the Victorian community’s responsibility. Whilst we welcome working at the specific Child Protection system response, we would encourage the enquiry to publicly acknowledge the interrelationships between education, housing, income maintenance, alcohol abuse, mental health, parenting education, violence against women and children and sexual assault.
Reviewing Victims of Crime Compensation, Sentencing Orders and State funded Awards
CASA Forum (2010)
The State has an obligation to provide compensation to victims of crime as without State assistance, very few victims have recourse to compensation as offenders rarely have any means. If the State wishes to recoup costs from an offender an efficient system should be established to enable this to happen. It should never be the responsibility of the victim.
Submission to the Sentencing Advisory Council
CASA Forum (2009)
This is a complex topic for lay people to address. In view of this the comments in this submission have been limited to general remarks about difficulties that arise in practice and anomalies that seem to be present in the current legislation.
Victorian Abortion Law Submission
CASA Forum (2007)
The current abortion laws in Victoria are unclear and complex. This has caused confusion for women, their doctors and health care providers over the past 40 years. This confusion has encouraged the minority of people totally opposed to abortion to harass women seeking a termination, and their health care providers, in a manner bordering on illegal.