Last Tuesday, 1 February 2022, the PSA’s Gino Di Candilo and Latu Sailosi, met with Youth Justice NSW (YJNSW) Acting Executive Director, Benjamin Spence and the Casework Review Project Team to discuss recent actions and proposed way forward on the project.

The purpose of the Casework Review Project is to consider and assess the current supervision and support model for Youth Justice Centre Caseworkers; look at alternative supervisory models and implement the most suitable options to deliver improved supervision for Custodial Caseworkers.

The Casework Review Project arose from concerns and feedback of custodial caseworkers that they need improved support and supervision. Since its commencement in early 2021, the project has faced substantial delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

The CRP Team members are: South West Directorate – Leonie Bender, North West Directorate – Paul Maher, A/Operations Director – Daniel Addison, Director Policy & Practice – Mike Wheaton.

Tuesdays meeting discussed YJNSW’s decision to implement a new model for custodial caseworkers managed by Assistant Managers of Youth Justice Community. The PSA raised concerns about not being properly consulted or provided with reasonable notice on decisions affecting our members. YJNSW has agreed to keep the PSA informed on developments before final decisions are made.

PSA and YJNSW agreed outcomes and timeframes:

• Agreement to allow the roll-out of new support and supervision model across selected regional locations, with the consent of the affected Assistant Managers.
• Workload analysis for Assistant Managers across the state is undertaken to provide evidence based approached and solutions.
• A/ED to provide a progress report on the above to the PSA and your Departmental Committee at the next Joint Consultative Committee Meeting on Thursday 17 February 2022.

PSA members are encouraged to engage and participate in the workload analysis process, so that the information captured is accurate and reflective of your current workload priorities.

The PSA Department Committee has one Community delegate vacancy for interested members in Greater Sydney. Please contact Gino Di Candilo, Latu Sailosi or Tammy Elwin if you are interested.

Gino Di Candilo PSA YJNSW Industrial Officer
Latu Sailosi PSA YNSWJ Organiser
Tammy Elwin YJNSW Community Departmental Delegate