The 2023 Report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services (OICS) was tabled in Parliament today and relates to OICS’ February visit to Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18, which occurred prior to last month’s major disturbance.
Despite the significant impact of the incident at Banksia Hill, recommendations in the report continue to be actioned to improve staffing levels, safety and the care of young people.
Eight out of 10 recommendations were supported with work to address behaviour management, Aboriginal staffing, detention centre charges, ‘safe exits’ for staff, rostering and vocational training well progressed.
Efforts to recruit and retain staff also continue. At least four additional Youth Custodial Officer (YCO) training programs are expected to be held this year, providing up to an additional 80 YCOs for Banksia Hill.
This is in addition to the 37 new YCOs who commenced work in late May after completing the most recent double training course.
Positions in the new 13-person Aboriginal Services Unit are now mostly filled, with recruitment for the Manager Aboriginal Services role in its final stages.
A Superintendent has also been appointed to oversee the management of youth detainees in Unit 18.
A new model of care and trauma-informed operating philosophy will see multidisciplinary teams of mentors, Aboriginal support officers, psychologists and other specialists working together to assist young people’s rehabilitation journey.
Detention centre charges have been reintroduced at Banksia Hill and Unit 18 and can now be heard by visiting justices, in line with the report’s recommendation.
A new behaviour management scheme is being developed, and alternatives to the ‘safe exit’ technique are being tested.
The report highlighted the intensive support offered at Unit 18, noting the ‘embedded involvement of health staff, psychologists, program officers, teachers and external service providers should be the norm for all young people in detention’.
Department Director General Dr Adam Tomison said the challenges associated with managing such a cohort were well documented and actions were already being taken to address the report’s recommendations.
“The work we have underway to boost staff numbers, implement a new model of care and better manage detainee behaviour is reflected in OICS’ recommendations.
“There is a substantial amount of work still to do, but we are confident the $90 million-plus investment in infrastructure, staff, services and a new Crisis Care Unit will address many of these difficult issues,” Dr Tomison said.
He said the location of the CCU has been carefully selected based on the feasibility and practicality of the solution within the existing facility.
Commissioner of Corrective Services Mike Reynolds said it was pleasing the report recognised the commitment of staff working in youth detention.
“While the significant challenge in running these facilities is understood, the Department is confident the implementation of its new model of care will transform management of the centre.
“The report’s recommendations and the work underway provides further assurance of our current endeavours to improve the outlook in youth detention and better support the needs of the young people in our care,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
