More than 500 frontline staff in Juvenile Justice NSW will receive new training in de-escalation and use of force for managing detainees in youth centres.
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The initiative is part of the NSW government’s $1 million investment in improved training for frontline staff managing an average of about 286 detainees across the state’s six Juvenile Justice centres, one of which is at Dubbo.
It will improve skills in de-escalation and negotiation, as well as refresh use of force and protective tactics initiatives.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott said the government was backing frontline officers with better training to ensure they had the best tools to do their job safely.
“The safety of our Juvenile Justice youth officers is my top priority,” he said.
“They work in a demanding environment managing detainees who display a range of complex behaviours, including emotional volatility and impulsive violence.
“While the number of detainees has reduced significantly over the past 10 years, managing them remains challenging.
“It is vital Juvenile Justice officers have the skills to respond appropriately.”
The $1 million investment has also funded the rollout of improved officer training in mental health, communication and managing challenging behaviour.
Juvenile Justice executive director Melanie Hawyes said the training would support officers as they deliver rehabilitation programs to young offenders.
