On a visit to Dubbo yesterday Minister Perry announced the $366,000 refurbishment of the Dubbo Juvenile Justice Community Office in Carrington Avenue.

The minister was also briefed on the progress of a new 15-bed unit to be built at the centre commencing next month.

A $110,000 dental clinic will also be part of the new expansion.

Minister Perry said she could understand the concerns that the community may have about the juveniles receiving free dental, but said, “there is nothing more important than anyone’s teeth”.

When the Daily Liberal asked why was it that juvenile criminals get free dental when the majority of the public had to wait for it the minister said: “We know that one of the major factors that leads to juvenile criminals re-offending is because they have low self-esteem and poor health.”

“Having good dental health is important in rehabilitating these juveniles to get them back out into the community,” she said.

“It is also safer for the community to have the dental unit on site instead of transporting them out to public clinics.”

The upgrades to the Juvenile Justice Community Office include improved meeting facilities, to assist staff in delivering programs to address re-offending in young people.

“The Iemma Government is working hard to tackle youth crime and antisocial behaviour in the community,” Minister Perry said.

“One of the best ways we can do this is to give staff the facilities and resources they need in their vital work of tackling factors associated with criminal behaviour.

“The upgrade integrates the regional and Juvenile Justice Community Services offices into a more suitable and functional environment for the 30 staff who use it,” she said.

anna.yeo@ruralpress.com