Philosophy of youth detention services

Youth detention centres are established under the Youth Justice Act 1992 to:

• protect the safety of the community
• provide consequences for offending
• prepare detained young people to live productively in the community.

It is a complex and daily challenge for youth detention centres to achieve these objectives with constant tensions between welfare, justice and security needs.

Our youth detention services are delivered consistently and in line with the following principles.

Principles

The safety of people in youth detention centres is paramount

It is extremely important to make sure young people, staff and visitors are safe and the youth detention centre is secure.

It is also very important to minimise risks in an appropriate way that matches the level of the risk.

When we take action, we do so in a way that aims to promote physical, emotional, psychological and cultural safety.

Services must be culturally appropriate

Youth detention centres are places where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people can connect to their culture, family and community.

Our First Nations Action Board and cultural units work with youth detention centres, and in the broader youth justice service, to develop suitable:

• policies
• programs
• services.

This way we can make sure your child’s cultural identity and background are respected and encouraged.

We will provide regular opportunities for your child to be part of cultural programs and services.

We work together with Elders and other members of Aboriginal communities and Torres Strait Islander communities to get the best possible outcomes for young people with these connections.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in youth detention centres and have a positive influence on the lives of young people.

Services must be trauma-informed

We know many young people in the youth justice system have experienced things that influence their day-to-day behaviour, level of development and ability to understand why appropriate behaviour is important. We call these things trauma.

This can include:

• neglect
• psychological abuse
• physical abuse
• family violence
• grief
• loss.

We will be mindful of the traumas in your child’s life when we deal with your child and their behaviour.

Services must be restorative

Our restorative practices aim to help young people take responsibility and be held accountable for their actions. They promote the restoration of relationships and encourage positive choices.

We use restorative practices in youth detention to:

• address challenging behaviours
• address conflict
• repair relationships
• help young people learn from their experiences.

Our restorative practices are voluntary. They promote the best interests of your child, as well as staff and stakeholders.

Services to promote rehabilitation to stop the cycle of youth crime

We understand that young people who break the law can have things happening in their lives that influence their criminal behaviour.

Your child has a better chance to stop breaking the law if we address the underlying causes of their offending.

We will work with our partner agencies to support your child in returning to their community and being productive.

Our programs and services:

• encourage your child to be more responsible
• promote health and wellbeing
• help your child develop skills
• teach your child about self-respect
• help your child feel a sense of belonging, identity and connection
• teach your child better ways to deal with changes and challenges in their life
• help your child with opportunities to fit in when they return home (e.g. school or work).

Positive behaviours will be modelled and promoted

We will help your child to be aware of their behaviour, and encourage them to make good decisions by promoting and reinforcing good behaviour.

Your child’s daily routine will provide structure for their days so they know when things will happen.

While your child is in detention we expect them to:

• respect others
• follow instructions from staff
• do chores
• take part in programs.

We will manage your child's bad behaviour in an appropriate and consistent way. We will not take away their basic rights and entitlements to punish them.

We will treat your child with respect and dignity at all times. Your child will also be encouraged to treat others with respect and dignity.

Young people’s relationships with their family, friends, community members and advocates are supported

We help young people maintain appropriate relationships and start new relationships that will give them support while in detention and when they return to their community.

We will work with your family and community to support your child when they leave detention and return home.

Young people’s views are important

Your child will have opportunities to have their say in planning processes as much as possible, taking into consideration their age and ability to understand.

We have a number of ways that your child can be involved in decision-making.

You and your child have the right to complain about something that has or has not happened in a detention centre.

Continuous improvement

We continue to improve the way we do things.

We monitor our performance and identify areas for improvement. So do external oversight organisations.

More information

• Find out how youth detention works.
• Learn more about how youth detention centres are overseen.