Should we consider mandatory drug rehab for children?

ABC Radio National’s Law Report broadcast an episode this week on the topic of “Mandatory drug rehab for children.”  The episode considers proposals that are currently being debated in South Australia and Victoria for various forms of mandated treatment. The episode includes an interview with Victorian Children’s Court Magistrate and Churchill Fellow Jennifer Bowles, who has explored mandatory treatment approaches in other countries and believes that there might be some application in Australia. Jennifer Bowles believes that for young people with severe complex trauma, voluntary treatment approaches have limitations.

Listen to ABC Radio National’s Law Report “Mandatory drug rehab for children” (28 minutes)

Download Jennifer Bowles Churchil Fellowship paper “What can be done: Residential therapeutic treatment options for young people suffering substance abuse / mental illness” (2.9MB PDF)

Download the South Australian “Controlled Orders Amendment Bill 2018” (62Kb PDF)