Bennett Brook Disability Justice Centre | Article

A safe place for people with a disability who have been accused of breaking the law. It is like a home where they can stay securely.

History

The Bennett Brook Disability Justice Centre is a safe place for people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities who have been charged with an offence. It is run by the Department of Communities and is governed by the Declared Places (Mentally Impaired Accused) Act 2015.

The Centre is a unique place in Western Australia that helps people with disabilities who have been charged with a crime but are not able to understand court proceedings. Instead of sending them to prison or releasing them, they can stay at the Centre where they can get the help and support they need. These individuals are vulnerable and need extra care and attention.

Placement at the Centre

The Mentally Impaired Accused Review Board (the Board) decides where mentally impaired accused people should go. They decide if someone should be released into the community, stay in prison or live in a specific non-prison facility like the Centre. The Board considers many things before making this decision, like making sure the community is safe and the residents are well. Once the decision is made, the Minister for Disability gives final approval.

Operations of the Centre

The Centre wants to help each resident in a positive way for a long time. The residents are 16 years old or older and get personalised support that is right for them. This helps them prepare to return to the community. The Centre is a safe and comfortable place where residents can take care of themselves.

There are ten places for residents to live in. Some of the places have one bedroom and others have two bedrooms. The Centre can support a diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds, ages and genders, who may need different levels of support.

The Centre is always staffed and the staff keep the residents safe using different methods. The staff are trained to support people with disabilities in a secure place. They use a person-centred approach, which means they focus on what is important to the resident and what they need to be happy and healthy.

Programs, Supports and Services for the Residents

The Centre provides programs and services that are customised to each resident’s needs to help them learn necessary life skills and become more independent. These programs include education, training, skills development, recreation, and therapy. They take into account the resident’s age, gender, cultural and spiritual beliefs and lifestyle choices.

The Centre tries to make life as similar to the community as possible and residents can leave the Centre if the Board approves it. During their time away from the Centre, residents are supported and must follow the conditions set out in their Leave of Absence Order.

Original source: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/mental-health-advocacy-service/disability-justice-centre