A 2017 report from The Kids Telethon Institute shows that nine out of ten young people in detention are found to have severe neuro-disability – but Royal Far West (RFW) believes there is hope for change with a radical rethink. RFW’s work with rural and remote children, families and communities provides a model of engagement showing early evidence of benefits.

Royal Far West (RFW) acknowledges the findings of the Banksia Hill project released in March 2018. RFW sees firsthand the issues that are reflected in the report, and strongly supports the Telethon Institute’s recommendation for formal neurodevelopmental assessment for all young people entering juvenile detention systems, together with comprehensive training for detention centre staff.

The findings of the Banksia Hill project released today are dire, but Royal Far West, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected children’s health services, is seeing the early benefits of empowering communities to tackle these issues, through their partnership with Marninwanrtikura Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC) in the Fitzroy Valley.

Early evidence from the partnership shows increased awareness in the community of the impact of neuro-disability and childhood trauma, improved confidence of parents and community members in supporting children, and significant benefits for children and families from therapeutic support.

View our Media Response to Banksia Hill project findings- 14 February 2018.