Naomi Long

More than 70 individuals and organisations responded to the consultation on proposals for a care and justice campus incorporating the existing Lakewood Regional Secure Care Centre and Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre.

The launch of the consultation followed the review of regional facilities for children and young people which was published in December 2018, as well as the Department of Justice’s 2016 scoping study into children in the justice system.

The consultation closed in January and the Departments of Health and Justice have now published an analysis of responses.

“In light of the largely positive response to the consultation proposals, detailed plans will now be put in place to get the Care and Justice Campus up and running,” the Departments said.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “The establishment of a regional Care and Justice Campus represents an important opportunity for Health, Social Care and Justice bodies here to work together and with other government departments to improve outcomes for a small, but often very vulnerable group of children and young people, who need secure care or come into contact with the juvenile justice system each year.”

The minister added: “I want to join the Health Minister in extending my gratitude to all those who took the time to respond to this important consultation.

In particular, I want to thank the children and young people who told us about their experiences of the care and justice systems here, and the staff who work so hard to care for and support them in the community and in secure settings.

“The establishment of a new Care and Justice Campus is a great opportunity to build on the good work already happening to deliver better outcomes for children and young people, their families and the wider community.”