In a recent hearing in Townsville’s Children’s Court, an 18-year-old girl who was shot by police in June faced significant scrutiny concerning her mental health history. Approaching the scene upon arrival, authorities immediately received calls about an apparently emotionally disturbed woman armed with a “Samurai sword” type knife. She had been verbally threatening people by the West End Hotel. The shooting has raised questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice, particularly regarding the treatment of young individuals within the system.
Since she was 14, the girl has undergone considerable therapy and hospitalization for a host of other identified mental illnesses. Over her 12 months working at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, she has experienced that terrible trend. Specifically, she has engaged in 80 episodes of self-harm and has needed emergency medical intervention 16 times. Her experiences with mental health have led to four suicide attempts so we know how high the stakes can be.
Court Proceedings and Mental Health Concerns
At the first court hearing, the magistrate was appalled at what had happened to the girl. Magistrate Viviana Keegan expressed her frustrations with the criminal justice system. She reiterated her point that it is simply not prepared to accommodate her unique mental health needs.
“The criminal justice system can’t manage [her],” – Magistrate Viviana Keegan
Unconscionably, despite her well-documented and abiding mental health concerns, the Queensland government prosecuted this girl under “adult crime, adult time” laws. These laws went into effect as recently as last year. This aggravating factor was a reason for the court’s decision, which subsequently aggravated her actions due to the knife. Keegan could certainly understand the life difficulties for the young girl, but said the law and procedures needed to be observed.
The case has come under fire for exposing the mismanagement of mental health in Queensland’s healthcare system. Magistrate Keegan did not mince her words, highlighting profound failures by Queensland Health in their care and treatment of the girl.
“There are a lot of risks,” – Magistrate Viviana Keegan
This sentiment underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals who find themselves navigating both the mental health and criminal justice systems.
Release and Treatment
In the end, the court opted to discharge the adolescent girl from detention, ordering her to be treated in the hospital instead. This decision demonstrates a sensitivity to her evolving mental health requirements. The girl participated in the hearing via video-link from the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre. Magistrate Keegan implored her to think about the impact she was having on herself and those around her.
“It seems that is what is needed,” – Magistrate Viviana Keegan
That prioritizing of treatment over punishment reflects a huge philosophical change. The public is more aware than ever of the importance of addressing systemic mental health disparities during encounters with the law.
Future Considerations
While this case is still in its infancy, it raises some vital questions. What must our society do to address youth mental health, particularly for those who are becoming ensnared within the criminal justice system? The Ethical Standards Command has initiated an investigation of the Townsville shooting. This question would go a long way toward changing the protocol of how law enforcement engages with individuals in the middle of a mental health crisis.
