Class Action Filed Over Abuse in South Australian Youth Detention Centres

Kefford Ferguson has filed a class action in the Supreme Court of South Australia on behalf of individuals who were detained as well as sexually and/or physically abused as minors in youth justice facilities across South Australia, during the period 1 January 1970 to 31 December 2015.

The youth justice facilities include the following:

• Magill Training Centre
• South Australian Youth Training Centre (SAYTC)
• McNally Training Centre
• Vaughan House
• South Australian Youth Remand and Assessment Centre (SAYRAC)
• Cavan Training Centre
• Adelaide Youth Training Centre
• Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre

The proceeding concerns the treatment of minors detained in these facilities over several decades.

The claim alleges that the State of South Australia failed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of minors in detention, exposing them to sexual and physical abuse, poor conditions and inadequate supervision.

The allegations include conduct spanning several decades, including at Magill Training Centre from 1970 until its closure in 2015.

Magill Training Centre was the subject of a parliamentary inquiry led by the Honourable E. P. Mullighan QC, which reported in 2008 and identified systemic abuse of minors over many years. The Applicants allege that, despite those findings, failures in supervision, protection and oversight continued.

Principal Lawyer Liz Kefford said that the filing represents a significant step for survivors who have waited many years to have their experiences acknowledged.

“Many of our clients were still in primary school when they were detained. They were vulnerable minors who needed care, protection and stability. Instead, they were exposed to sexual and physical violence, fear and mistreatment that has had lasting impacts throughout their lives.”

“Our clients are seeking accountability and recognition of what occurred. This class action provides a pathway for their experiences to be heard and addressed.”

The Statement of Claim alleges that the State failed to protect minors from sexual abuse and physical violence while in detention, and that inadequate supervision, poor staffing practices and insufficient responses to reports of abuse allowed harm to occur and continue.

As a result, many survivors experience long-term consequences including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, disrupted education, social dislocation, entrenched disadvantage, and ongoing involvement with the criminal justice system.

“These facilities housed some of the State’s most vulnerable minors. What happened to them was not their fault,” Ms Kefford said.

“We are committed to ensuring their experiences are acknowledged and that meaningful accountability follows.”

Who can join the class action

The class action is open to individuals who:

• were detained in any of the above youth justice centres in South Australia;
• at any time during their operation from 1970 to 2015; and
• suffered harm arising from conditions of detention, staff conduct, abuse, isolation, or systemic failures.

The claim is brought on behalf of survivors and, where applicable, affected family members who have suffered harm arising from the treatment of minors in detention.

This includes individuals who were placed in segregation, special units, or isolation, or who were subjected to excessive or unlawful force.

Confidential enquiries

Survivors or family members seeking further information can contact Kefford Ferguson confidentially for a free consultation. We act on a no win, no fee basis.

Media Contact:

Kefford Ferguson

Email: liz@keffordferguson.com
Phone: 0409 329 822