FCJ Companions in Mission (CiMs) and FCJ Sisters celebrate International Companions in Mission day on 21 September, to coincide with the birth of the foundress of the FCJ, Marie Madeleine d’Houët. Eve, CiM, reports on the 2024 celebration in Melbourne.
CiM International Day was celebrated in Melbourne at the Genazzano FCJ College Madeleine Centre. A small but enthusiastic and generous group of CiMs and friends welcomed Philippa (Pip) McIlroy from Jesuit Social Services (JSS) to speak to us on the subject of youth crime and the work of JSS in this area.
Raising the age of criminal responsibility has been promoted by JSS for a long time. Victoria has committed to raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years this year. International Human Rights standards and evidence around children’s brain development suggest we should raise the age to 14 with no exceptions. Children don’t belong in jail! Australia is lagging behind.
Pip spoke specifically about three program areas at JSS: Ignatius Learning Centre in Richmond; Youth Justice Group Conferencing, which happens across Victoria and the Northern Territory; and the Willmot Community Hub in Western Sydney.
The Ignatius Learning Centre is a Catholic Specialist Secondary School for boys aged 15-17 in contact with the justice system. JSS has been advocating for therapeutic responses to children caught offending that will support them to thrive and stop offending. The team listens to the students to understand what motivates and interests them. Quoting one of the students, “it’s really cool!”.
Youth Justice Group Conferencing aims to divert young people away from further or more serious offending. The program helps young people see the impact of their actions on victims of crime and supports them to restore relationships with those they’ve harmed.
Pip’s final topic was the work of JSS in the Willmot Community Hub. Willmot is situated about 40kms west of the Sydney CBD and is considered one of the most disadvantaged postcodes in Australia. The people are resilient and know what they need. All the programs run at the Hub have been created in response to what community members say they need. Tuesday Breakfast is perhaps the most important program at the Hub. Over breakfast, locals share what their challenges may be. As a result, a clinic has been set up to help children access things like getting a learning support officer at school, or to help them sleep better at night. This assistance can make a huge difference to the whole family.
Pip gave us so much insight into the work of JSS and how vital this work is with young, vulnerable people today. It was pleasing to be able to present Pip with a donation to JSS for $1,000. Hopefully ongoing support for JSS and its superb work will continue to bear fruit and give a chance for a good life to as many as possible of the young people in their care.
