Social Reinvestment WA

Sophie Stewart, SRWA CEO, spoke to ABC News on the state of the justice system in WA, and why we need WA leaders to step up to the plate on doing things differently. As we head into 2025, we hope for a commitment to the solutions that actually reduce crime and change lives for the better. Whether it’s for the children inside maximum-security prison, the prisoners in Roebourne sweltering through dangerous heat, or the communities crying out for better solutions. While we’ve seen some positive changes over the past year—like the new program at Perth Children’s Court, funding for the Kimberley Juvenile Justice Strategy, and leadership shifts in the Department of Justice—these are just small steps. We need to make these improvements the new normal. True progress means ensuring basic humane treatment for all in state-run institutions. It’s time for the next WA Government to invest in real change and justice for kids and the wider community. Link to the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gHJg4cp9

This is so urgently needed. Great news for mob, Linda Burney. The courts are so inundated with Indigenous cases and a shortage of lawyers, the pressure to push clients to plead guilty will accelerate the already alarming number of people in remand & the prisons are full. Well done! We need this. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

One year since we handed our Raise the Age petition over the WA Attorney General. The petition held the names of over 15,000 West Australians calling on the Government to keep primary school aged children out of prison. Children who aren’t old enough for jobs, children who still have their baby teeth - yet under WA law, can still be arrested, tried and sent to prison. This goes against evidence, human rights conventions, and expertise. Our handover was a major milestone for the movement in WA - and came following years of work and thousands of campaigning hours. We couldn’t have done it without everyone who signed petitions, shared our socials, attended events, and told their stories. One year on - the fight continues. We must keep looking forward and calling for what’s right. Raising the Age is a vital step in the total overhaul of the youth justice system we are asking for. Our thoughts are with the children under 14 still being criminalised and held in WA cells. We will keep fighting for you. If you want to know more about our Raise the Age campaign - head to our website. If you want to take action, take a look here: https://lnkd.in/gQH8t2KA

We know there are thousands of people all across West Australia who support our campaign to fix youth justice. That's why we want to tell your stories, profile the real people, and demonstrate to decision-makers why they should take action. We'd love if you shared your "why" and reasons you care with us here: https://lnkd.in/gjNVEqvF Your voice is powerful - and your response will be used for campaigning and calls for change. It's clear WA's youth justice system isn't working, and it's time to show there's a groundswell of support from the community for sensible, smart justice. Head here to lend your voice - https://lnkd.in/gjNVEqvF And share it around! We want as many voices as possible!

It’s been a busy month for team SRWA – but catching up with both the WA and National Children’s Commissioners is always a highlight! In late September, SRWA’s CEO Sophie Stewart and Policy Lead Mason Rothwell caught up with Commissioner for Children and Young People WA Jacqueline McGowan-Jones to talk through her new Hear Me Out report, the issues in youth detention, and the need for a whole-of-government approach to youth justice. Fast forward a couple of weeks and Louise Giolitto represented SRWA as a board member in Canberra at the public launch of the National Children’s Commissioner’s Report, 'Help way earlier!’, put on by Justice Reform Initiative. Louise is pictured here with the National Children’s Commissioner herself, Anne Hollonds, and Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson. The report calls for national leadership and a reform roadmap that recognises that we have fundamentally misunderstood the problem of offending by children. Thank you so much to Jacqueline for meeting with us, and to JRI for the invite to the launch in Canberra! We’ll be spotlighting both the CCYP WA and National Children's Commissioner reports in our popular “Listen to the Experts” socials series in coming weeks, be sure to follow us on Instagram for that: https://lnkd.in/gDTS7DXw

One more week until applications close! ⏰💼

This is it! Are you the first National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People? Applications are now open. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gCnX82cJ

Social Reinvestment WA unequivocally condemns the use of spit hoods on children. They have no place in our justice system. Children deserve far better. Our hearts go out to all those who are struggling with the impacts of this devastating and regressive news.

We are hiring for two exciting positions! 👇 People and Business Manager Use your excellent business, people and management skills to help our peak not-for-profit thrive so we can continue to make real impact for Aboriginal communities in WA, and transform our justice system! This is a new key internal leadership role to support our small but growing org, and is Part time or Full Time negotiable. Full job ad and role description here: https://lnkd.in/g7BXDAvy Memberships & Organisational Support Officer Our members are the lifeblood of SRWA, and you'll be the first point of contact for them. We want your outstanding organisational skills to help us continue making impact! This role is Full Time or Part Time negotiable, with a minimum of 4 days per week. Full job ad and role description here: https://lnkd.in/gg-sep3z Either sound like you? Apply today! Applications close 29 October.

We are so proud to share Social Reinvestment WA has officially transitioned to an independent, member based, non-profit organisation! We have come a long way since the small working group of Aboriginal and non-profit leaders that came together in 2014 after children at Banksia Hill were moved to Hakea adult Prison. It became clear at the time that there was no established, unified, consistent non-profit sector voice to speak up for these young people and advocate for a better, evidence-based justice system - and so SRWA was born. Almost 10 years on, our purpose remains the same – and arguably, our work has never been more important. Today, we have grown to a strong coalition of more than 30 orgs and 7 staff members working collectively for an effective and connected approach to justice in WA. We’re also excited to announce (and thank) the excellent group of leaders on our inaugural Board: Our long-time Co-Chair Glenda Kickett continues to lead us into this next phase as Chairperson; and is joined by Deputy Chairperson Jasmine Gregory (Anglicare WA), Treasurer Wayne Nannup (ALSWA), and ordinary board members Louise Giolitto (WACOSS), Jody Nunn (Reconciliation WA) and Sandy McKiernan (independent, formerly YACWA). And a special congratulations to our fearless team leader, Sophie Stewart, who the Board have asked to step into the role of CEO! Sophie was the first person employed by the SRWA Chairs in 2016 and has worked tirelessly for close to a decade for the cause. She has grown SRWA, and the team significantly in that time – leading us through all major campaigns, the establishment of our justice reinvestment work, and most recently, this huge organisational transition. Please join us in congratulating Sophie. All the impact we’ve made to date would not have been possible without Wungening Aboriginal Corporation who auspiced our organisation from 2016, and worked with us closely on this exciting transition. We want to thank them for their significant contribution over the years, and look forward to continuing to work with them as a member organisation. Governance work is something that often goes on in the background of organisations like ours, but we wanted to share this milestone with you. Stronger governance allows us to keep showing up and advocating for a better system, an end to criminalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and protecting the human rights of children, young people, and adults for a long time to come. Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us! And if you’re interested in joining as a Coalition or Associate member of our organisation, look out for updated information in coming weeks- we’d love to have you join us.