Resolution from City of Langford re: Closure of Victoria Youth Custody Centre
Resolution from Langford Council requesting that the facility remain open and not be used for housing youth in police cells.
May 24th, 2014
Mayor and Council Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria BC V9B 1A6
Dear Mayor and Council;
At the City of Langford Regular Meeting of Council held on May 20th, 2014, Council considered the closure of the Victoria Youth Custody Services Centre.
I can now advise you that Council resolved the following with respect to the closure of the Victoria Youth Custody Services Centre;
Resolution Regarding Victoria Youth Custody Services Centre
MOVED BY: COUNCILLOR BLACKWELL SECONDED: COUNCILLOR SZPAK
“Citing cost-savings and under-utilization as the rationale, the Provincial Government has recently announced the proposed closure of the Victoria Youth Custody Services centre, located in the Town of View Royal.
And whereas this is the only provincial youth custody facility on Vancouver Island, and closure will result in all young offenders remanded or sentenced from Vancouver Island Courts, being removed from their family and community supports, to custody facilities on the Lower Mainland or elsewhere in the Province;
And whereas, there are no custody facilities for women on Vancouver Island, resulting in all female offenders who are remanded or sentenced from Vancouver Island Courts, may be temporarily held in local police cells and subsequently removed from their family and community supports, to custody facilities on the Lower Mainland or elsewhere in the Province;
And whereas the Capital Regional District, 13 Municipalities and 3 School Districts appoint representatives to sit at the Victoria Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, to be aware of the circumstances for youth and families who may come into contact with the Youth and Family Court system; and the Victoria Family Court and Youth Justice Committee has expressed great concern at the closure of the female youth detention facilities.
And whereas reasonable access to family and community supports is integral to rehabilitation planning for Vancouver Island youth and women in custody;
Therefore, be it resolved that on behalf of Mayor and Council, Council directs staff to write a letter to the Minister of Children and Family Development, requesting that the Victoria Youth Custody Services centre remains open and, further, that the Provincial Government considers re-purposing a part of this facility to include female offenders remanded in custody from Vancouver Island Courts.”
CARRIED.
Resolution Regarding Youth Housing
MOVED BY: COUNCILLOR BLACKWELL SECONDED: COUNCILLOR SZPAK
That Council resolve to not house Youth in West Shore cells as the facility is inadequate to house youth.
CARRIED.
Yours truly,
Lindy Kaercher Deputy Clerk
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