Page 2992 - Week 09 - Thursday, 18 August 2005

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Quamby youth detention centre
(Question No 454)

Mr Seselja asked the Minister for Children, Youth and Family Support, upon notice, on 30 June 2005:

(1) In relation to Quamby Detention Centre, what changes (a) were made to programs for detainees between August 2004 and February 2005 and (b) have been made to programs for detainees since February 2005;

(2) How many inmates have been released from Quamby since February 2005;

(3) On how many days, since 1 January 2005, has Quamby (a) contained both male and female prisoners, (b) housed both young people under the age of 18 and persons over the age of 18 and (c) contained both detainees convicted of offences and accused young people awaiting trial.

Ms Gallagher: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

1a) Between August 2004 and February 2005 the following changes were made to programs for residents at Quamby Youth Detention Centre in consideration of their individual needs:

• Improvements to the holistic approach to program presentation, considering the individual needs of each child or young person;

• A young person attended a mainstream college as part of his ongoing education;

• A young person attended a training program in skills development followed by a community work experience program;

• Several young people attended a pre-employment training program;

• Several young people attended living and social skills program run weekly by a community agency at Quamby;

• Several young people attended counselling in the community to address anger management issues;

• Several young men attended a weekly program provided by a community agency at Quamby to address their relationship issues; and

• An increased number of tutors attended Quamby to assist residents with their schooling.

1b) Since February 2005 to the present the following changes were made to programs for residents at Quamby Youth Detention Centre:

• Educational programs based on young person’s Individual Learning Plans and Department of Education guidelines;

• Increased focus on curriculum development aimed at increased social skills and positive behaviour;

• Increased provision of IT support for young people in the education program;

• Representation by a young person on the Hindmarsh Education Centre School Board;

• Implementation of a music program for residents including the involvement of a person teaching song writing skills;

• Introduction of weekly Indigenous education support for residents;

• Development of programs aimed at increasing the cultural knowledge of residents including Aboriginal, Tongan and Samoan residents; and

• Two psychologists to assist the residents with their mental health needs.

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