Page 1377 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 April 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
This third report identifies the impact of the work we have been doing and how that is translating into practice, including the success of our recruitment processes, training and support of our staff. These improvements combined with the reduced number of young people being housed at Bimberi during the six months from July to December 2018 may correlate with a number of reductions in key indicators that we have seen through this period.
I am pleased to inform the Assembly that during the first half of the 2018-19 financial year no segregation directions were required to be made for young people and only one operational lockdown has been required and authorised. Additionally, during this period the number of assaults at Bimberi continues the trend of being at a 10-year low from 64 assaults in 2009-10 to nine for the half year July-December 2018.
The number of strip searches for young people entering detention is at zero as staff continue to apply their risk-based assessment for the types of searches necessary. These searches are necessary at times to maintain the safety of the young person themselves and others within the centre. However, it is acknowledged that every effort should be made to reduce strip searches to a minimum given the trauma that has often been experienced by young people entering custody.
I note that there has been an increase in category 1 incidents. All of these incidents reflect complex trauma-related behaviours within this cohort of young people. As with all Bimberi headline indicator reports, while the report includes measures relating to safety and security, it also has a strong focus on education programs and community engagement. The core purpose of Bimberi is rehabilitation and providing young people with the supports and services they need to turn their lives around.
Young people in detention at Bimberi are continuously supported to maintain engagement in education, build and maintain family ties and develop the living skills they need to reintegrate successfully in the community. The Murrumbidgee Education and Training Centre at Bimberi continues to provide a range of educational and vocational programs, including recognised certificate programs and tutoring and transitional support back into the community, through an individualised and tailored approach.
During the reporting period of July to December 2018 three young people completed the road ready course, eight young people attained their first-aid certificates, one attained their white card certification, and one young person completed their year 12 studies. One hundred per cent of young people residing at Bimberi during the period were engaged in educational programs.
As this Assembly knows, the work of supporting some of our most complex young offenders at Bimberi is challenging. I remain passionate about ensuring that we have a youth justice system that is rehabilitative and provides opportunities for young people.
I thank the people at Bimberi, all those workers who work tirelessly to support some of our most vulnerable children and young people. I commend this report to the assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mrs Kikkert) adjourned to the next sitting.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video