Acheron Boys Home
Acheron Youth Camp, an Australian minimum security training facility for juvenile males, is located in Buxton, Victoria, Australia, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) north–east of Melbourne. The facility is operated by Youth Justice Custodial Services, an agency of the Department of Justice of the Victorian Government.
| |
| Location | Buxton, Victoria |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 37.509726°S 145.545502°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Minimum |
| Capacity | 10[1] |
| Opened | circa 1966[2] |
| Managed by | Youth Justice Custodial Services |
Set on 350 acres (140 ha),[1] the camp is an alternative custodial option for up to ten young men aged 15–17 on Youth Justice Centre Orders.[3] Administered by the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre, the camp focuses on vocational development, rehabilitation and community integration.[3][4]
Programs and facilities
Young people at Acheron participate in a broad range of work-based activities that are integrated with accredited general education programs and training in building and construction and horticulture (landscape) provided by the Kangan Institute of TAFE. Work activities include building construction, preventative maintenance, clearing, mowing, painting, tree felling, cutting wood and weed spraying. Young people are encouraged to participate in a range of recreational activities, including fishing, bushwalking, horse riding and playing golf.[1]
Young people can be granted weekend leave to their families, depending on their circumstances and their progress in the program.[1]
Health professionals from the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre provide counselling and other personal development programs on an outreach basis.[1]
References
- "Juvenile Justice Programs" (PDF). Annual Report. Youth Parole Board and Youth Residential Board. 2003. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- O'Neill, Cate (28 October 2011). "Acheron Youth Training Centre (c. 1966 - )". Find and Connect, Victoria. Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- "Garden opening marks celebration of reconciliation". Department of Human Services. 5 June 2003. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
- "Sculptural garden opens at Acheron Youth Camp" (PDF). Newsletter. Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. July 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012.