Page 1872 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017

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a. Why has it taken 10 months from the time of a serious alleged assault for this important training to be conducted?

More than 90% of available staff have participated in refresher training on Responding to Critical Situations in the months since the incident. In response to the Human Rights Commission’s review, Bimberi has created a clear process for ensuring staff are properly trained and supported, with a formalised training, learning and development plan created annually. In addition, on commencement at Bimberi, all staff are required to participate in a seven week induction program and complete refresher training. All Bimberi policies and procedures, including trauma informed practice and cultural awareness are covered during this training, as well as the Bimberi Emergency Operating Procedures and Responding to Critical Situations.

b. How frequently is training in the use of force conducted for Bimberi staff?

Responding to Critical Situations training includes elements such as de-escalation skills, the use of force and post incident management. There has been Responding to Critical Situations training and refresher and skills maintenance training delivered to new and existing staff over the last 3 years. As at 11 April 2017, 84 staff have attended the four day Responding to Critical Situations training over the last 3 years. 155 have attended the refresher sessions over the last 2 years (some staff have participated more than once).

Bimberi Youth Justice Centre—staffing

Ms Stephen-Smith (in reply to a question and a supplementary question by Mrs Jones on Tuesday, 28 March 2017):

4. Minister, according to the CPSU, one concern that staff members at Bimberi have raised with management is “whether the centre is adequately staffed, both in terms of numbers of people and what roles they are deployed in”. In response, the Community Services Directorate merely stated that staffing levels were adequate 10 months ago.

a. Have detainees ever been kept in their rooms because of insufficient staffing?

On occasion young people are required to remain in their rooms for short periods for an operational lockdown to cover staff meetings, training and lunch breaks. During this time, young detainees have access to television, reading materials and showers/toilets while in their cabins.

There were two operational lockdowns in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. These both lasted for one hour each.

There were four operational lockdowns in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre for the period 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2016. These lockdowns were for one


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