Twenty eight new youth justice officers have graduated from induction training this week and started on the job, working in youth detention centres across the Northern Territory. 

The new youth justice officers are the first to complete the enhanced training, which includes training drills and workplace scenario skills training to provide practical learning for specific operational roles and responsibilities. 

Territory Families Chief Executive Officer Ken Davies said the 28 new recruits started on the job this week, with nine of the recruits based at the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre and 19 recruits based at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. 

“These new youth justice officers are a vital and valuable addition to our workforce as they play a significant role in supporting young people often with complex needs to make positive life choices,’’ he said.   

“The new induction training provides youth justice officers with the high level skills required for their roles as well as specialised training in numerous key behavioural management and trauma-informed strategies to help mentor, manage and support young people in detention.”  

Territory Families has completely redeveloped the youth justice officer induction training since it took over management of youth detention centres in 2016.  

The induction course now runs for six and a half weeks with a key focus on trauma-informed and restorative practices. 

These enhancements are in addition to more than 30 modules already undertaken by the new recruits throughout their training.

 These include:

• Youth Justice Officer Roles and Responsibilities

• Youth Justice Operations

• Ethics and Conduct

• Cross Cultural Awareness

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

• Suicide Intervention & Awareness Training

• Conflict Management Skills

• Domestic and Family Violence

• Drug and Alcohol Awareness

• First Aid Training

• Legislation and Law Reform
  
  

 The course also uses scenarios to provide youth justice officers with practical skills in admissions, case management, security, emergency and incident management, incident reporting and recording, communications, searches, safe workplace practice and escorts and will better equip new staff joining the youth justice system. 

Territory Families media contact:

Amy Sloan
08 8999 5082