A graduating class of new Youth Justice Officers will strengthen the NT's ability to support young offenders in a modernised youth justice system.
Minister for Territory Families, Kate Worden, attended the graduation of 23 new recruits in Alice Springs, completing their first major step in joining the Youth Justice Officer workforce.
As well as undertaking shadow shifts at youth justice facilities in both Alice Springs and Darwin, the group is recognised for reaching competency in complex subject matters covering all aspects of youth justice support. These include Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, cultural awareness, youth mental health, first aid, team building, suicide intervention, sexually harmful behaviours, working with young people with a disability, restorative practice and trauma informed care.
The new recruits will receive additional training in a youth justice qualification delivered through the Australian Childhood Foundation.
They will take up roles across youth justices centres in both Darwin and in Alice Springs, with 13 deployed in Darwin and 10 in Alice Springs.
The Territory Labor Government is also modernising our Youth Justice facilities, with construction on the new Darwin Youth Justice Centre expected to be completed this year, along with significant upgrades at the youth justice centre in Alice Springs.
Quotes from Minister for Territory Families, Kate Worden:
"The role of Youth Justice Officers is vital in breaking the cycle of reoffending and ensures the best possible service and support is delivered to young people in detention.
"Youth Justice Officers help to maintain young people's connection to culture, family and their community while in detention, and equip them with life skills, support and opportunities to help make better decisions upon leaving detention.
"We are also implementing a new therapeutic model of care to ensure that young offenders have the best chance successfully returning to the community."
