Juvenile Justice NSW flags new high-risk offender management strategy (pdf version)

Juvenile Justice NSW has responded to the PSA’s calls for improved safety by announcing new measures to enhance the agency’s ability to manage violent and high-risk offenders. The announcement follows recent state-wide stoppages and a long-running industrial dispute with the union.

Yesterday’s announcement includes:

• additional staff in metro centres to manage A1 detainees
• the implementation of an immediate response team at Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre
• a review of the incentive scheme, including increased sanctions and penalties for misbehaviour
• scoping the need for a 6-10 bed Enhanced Support Unit that enables ‘step up/step down’ management of detainees who do not respond to normal risk management controls
• refining the dispersal model to accommodate and manage all detainees across the six Juvenile Justice Centres
• development of specific strategies for the management of terror-related detainees.

Click HERE to read a copy of the agency’s letter

Juvenile Justice NSW representatives advised us they expect to complete initial implementation of the strategy within ‘the next 10-12 week period’ following consultation with relevant stakeholders including the PSA, Corrective Services and Justice Health.

Funding measures and additional staff numbers for the agency’s strategy remain unclear however, with the NSW Government unwilling to commit any new money to the project. In response to our questioning over future funding, the agency assured us that ‘no centre will close’ as a result of the announcement and any additional expense to fund the NSW Government’s commitments will be found within the existing Department of Justice budget envelope.

Despite the funding ambiguity, the PSA has cautiously welcomed the announcement and has indicated a willingness to work collaboratively with Juvenile Justice NSW on measures that enhance safety.

We would like to thank our delegates and members for their ongoing support of our campaign for a safer workplaces and will provide ongoing updates as further information becomes available.

UNION = STRENGTH

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