An Effective Practice Model for Youth Detention

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

This Australian project examines the effectiveness of a training and coaching model implemented in three youth detention settings concentrating on increasing the interpersonal skills of workers, skills developed and recognised as effective practice skills in community corrections. Numerous incidents in youth detention centres in Australia have led to inquiries and reviews suggest that detention centres often don’t even meet basic human rights and do little in terms of rehabilitation of detainees.
Other research indicates that teaching interpersonal skills to youth officers can enhance the rehabilitation culture of centres.
The study trained youth officers in three detention centres in key practice skills and supported staff through supervision and de-briefing. The skills include role clarification, pro-social modelling, brief problem solving, and relationship skills. The training also addresses some of the background to criminal behaviour, including trauma.
Critical incident and the social climate data was collected pre and following the implementation, as well as interviews with staff and young people, the completion of well-being scales, and examination of departmental records. A matched control group, not offered the intervention, was also used. The study found that training and coaching improved detention centre social climate for staff. Improvements on other outcome measures were also found.

Authors

• Phillipa Evans, University of New South Wales

• Christopher John Trotter, Monash University