Wholesale system level reform is required
We have consistently recommended significant changes to the management of youth custodial services moving to trauma-informed, child-centred care. We have also highlighted many successful international reform examples, all of which have required long-term or generational change. While the Department has commenced this journey, it is in its infancy and a much more wholesale system level reform is necessary. A brave commitment to change is crucial, not only from the Department but the Western Australian community, and the State Government. It will be hard, but the deaths of two young men in custody demand it.
Noticeable improvements aligned to the Model of Care
There has been considerable progress stabilising Banksia Hill and Unit 18 since the 2023 inspection. Some of this can be attributed to the implementation of the Model of Care. One of the initial priority areas for the Model of Care has been staffing, with a focus on rebuilding the custodial workforce to safe levels. Consequently, the time young people are spending out of cell has increased significantly. While this is positive, we are concerned by the slow progress to review and address inherent challenges within the current staffing model.
Physical environments significantly upgraded
While there have been some significant upgrades to the built environments of Banksia Hill and Unit 18, most of the works have centred on physical security enhancements. This has included cell hardening, fence replacements, roof treatments, and CCTV upgrades. Proposals for the new crisis care unit and second youth detention facility are also progressing, with works commencing on the new crisis care unit at the time this draft report was sent to the Department for comment. However, clear plans for the closure of Unit 18 are yet to emerge despite its original intent as a temporary facility.
The Aboriginal Services Unit is a welcome achievement
Since our last inspection, considerable focus has been placed on improving cultural connection, security, and safety for the young people in detention. The Aboriginal Services Unit is almost fully staffed and has been providing welcome support services. Cultural spaces at Banksia Hill have been developed and changes are being embedded in centre practices and staff training.
Education is achieving positive results but needs greater resources
The increase in custodial staffing and consequential increased time out of cell has enabled the consistent delivery of a new teaching model at Banksia Hill and Unit 18. Early indications suggest the new model is producing better outcomes for young people. However, there is room for improvement by setting aside the wing-delivery mode of education, boosting teacher resources to include Education Assistants and Aboriginal Education Officers, developing a structured program of vocational education, and exploring technological opportunities.
Significant advances in health space, with room for more
Young peoples’ access to health care has improved since the 2023 inspection. Primary health services have an almost fully resourced medical team and specialists are available as needed. They work collaboratively with the recently set up Department of Health multidisciplinary team of specialist clinicians. This team is still establishing itself including its role and function, but early indications suggest it is filling some known gaps in health services, particularly in the neurodevelopment space.
Case planning and programs units are dedicated but under resourced
The case planning unit is under resourced and workload pressures have only marginally been mitigated by temporary positions. This has meant the case management of young people has become unmanageable despite the record low population of young people in custody. Similar staffing challenges exist in the criminogenic programs team which has traditionally, reduced the number of programmatic interventions being delivered. An innovative response to this challenge has seen Aboriginal Youth Support Officers co-facilitate programs so they can continue to be delivered. Significant effort and investment in voluntary programs and activities has also meant young people’s time out of cell is more meaningful.