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The isolating effect of the pandemic has been felt acutely by Australia’s young people, with lockdown and emergency measures disrupting the routines and connections that keep young people safe and engaged. Many have been exposed to increased risk of family violence, mental health pressures, school disengagement and insecure housing. The upcoming Federal Election is an opportunity to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people and to ensure they are not left behind as Australia recovers from COVID-19.
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MCM's Newsletter for Autumn 2022
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MCM's Gratitude & Welcome Report for Autumn 2022
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As we know at MCM, having a home is critical for people’s mental and physical health, their education and employment opportunities, and their ability to fully participate in society. This submission focuses on the interface between youth homelessness and the over representation of young people in the criminal justice system, and the distinct set of challenges that vulnerable young people face that require a differentiated response to adults. Lack of stable housing is one of the biggest factors that is driving up the number of young people and in particular young women on remand and in prison, many of these young people have experienced adverse childhood experiences including family violence and are homeless as a result. Furthermore, people without a home are at risk of spending longer periods in prison as they must have access to stable housing to get parole. MCM urges the Victorian Government to shift from a crisis investment lens to an early intervention lens funding supported medium term housing, family violence prevention and continue the focus on reforming the out of home care system.
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MCM and Y-Change welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the Draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 – 2032 (Draft Plan) and commends the Australian Government on maintaining this important focus. This submission should be read in conjunction with MCM’s submission to the National Plan for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. The increased focus on preventing and responding to gender-based violence across Australia is strongly welcomed, however despite this focus, young people who are experiencing family violence are not recognised as victim-survivors in their own right and have been overlooked by the Draft Plan. Adolescents and young people are largely seen under the Draft Plan for their use of harm and violence and are not referenced in the title of the Draft Plan.