Aboriginal youth detention rates high

KEY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE INDIGENOUS YOUTH DETENTION RATE IN WA:

* State government should fund Aboriginal designed and led programs, including early intervention for at risk youth

* Investigation into reason for lower rate of cautions issued by police to Aboriginal youths

* Funding and training for Aboriginal community representative participation in juvenile justice team process

* Expansion of youth bail options program to provide more supervised bail accommodation in Perth and allow it to be applied to children in state care

* WA government should fund youth-specific residential mental health facilities to provide supervised bail accommodation for those with complex needs

* Police investigate the application and enforcement of curfews as a condition of bail

* Amend legislation so those aged under 12 are not criminally responsible (currently 10 in WA)

* State government should repeal mandatory sentencing for youths

* Measures to deal with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, including funding Aboriginal health organisations to deliver training to government agencies

* Facilities and treatment options for those deemed unfit to stand trial.