Orana Youth Justice Centre staff in Dubbo will get new uniforms and security at the facility will be strengthened after the NSW government released findings of a review into the state's troubled detention centres.
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Familes, Communities and Disability Services Minister Gareth Ward said the government would establish dedicated units to house high-risk offenders, in line with recommendations of an independent review into an incident at Central Coast facility in July.
Former NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Lee Shearer made 63 recommendations that focus on improving safety for staff and detainees and putting an increased focus on rehabilitation, Mr Ward said.
Immediate improvements the government vowed to make involved refurbishing units that house high-risk detainees, upgrading security infrastructure and introducing staff uniform in all centres.
Mr Ward said a new classification for high-risk offenders, based on the offence committed as well as their behaviour in custody, would also be introduced to enable improved separation from other detainees.
"Our government's success in diverting young people away from the system has resulted in a 40 per cent decrease in detainees over the last decade," Mr Ward boasted.
"The report identifies the need to better manage the remaining cohort of complex and high-risk detainees through stronger policies, support and infrastructure upgrades."
Mr Ward said a committee of government and non-government representatives led by Ms Shearer will oversee the implementation of the report's recommendations for the next 12 months.
