New youth detention centre

The Queensland Government is committed to keeping communities safe and changing the story for young people in our justice system.  

The 2019-20 State budget included expanding existing facilities and building and staffing a new 32 bed youth detention centre. The construction of the new youth detention centre is also outlined in the Youth Justice Strategy Action Plan 2019-2021.

West Moreton Youth Detention Centre

The new West Moreton Youth Detention Centre (WMYDC) began admitting young people in December 2020. The centre is located next to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre (BYDC) at Wacol. 

WMYDC has its own operational model and shares some administration and ancillary services with BYDC.

The flexibility that comes with a smaller centre enables a more holistic approach and provides strengthened opportunities for both static and dynamic security measures.

Stage one of the centre is operational. Stage two will open in 2021.

When completed, the centre will include:

  • 32 beds for young people on remand or sentenced
  • 5 accommodation units (3x 8 bed units and 2x 4 bed units)
  • education, health and recreation facilities, a yarning circle and a multi-purpose hall.

Each accommodation unit has been purpose-built to encourage young people, staff and stakeholders to work together in a client-centred way. Each unit has :

  • detention youth workers
  • a supervisor
  • a cultural liaison officer
  • a caseworker.

Young people are also supported by:

  • psychologists
  • teachers and education staff
  • doctors, nurses and other health staff
  • Youth Justice service centre caseworkers
  • other centre staff.

Operating model

The operating model at WMYDC aligns with the Youth Justice Strategy Action Plan’s aim to reduce reoffending with strengthened and safe infrastructure.

We will hold serious and repeat young offenders accountable for their behaviour and support them to address the causes of their offending, in a safe and secure environment.

The centre’s operations focus on:

  • extensive engagement with local traditional custodians of the land
  • building inclusive cultures that respect and promote human rights and diversity
  • actions and decisions compatible with human rights and obligations under the Human Rights Act 2019.

Young people can access:

  • individualised case management
  • specialised programs and services
  • activities and programs such as:
    • education
    • training
    • employment
    • sport
  • the department’s Transition to Success program
  • restorative practice and restorative justice activities and programs
  • opportunities to give back to the community with practical and meaningful projects
  • onsite providers including Health and Education. 

Catchment

WMYDC is located within its own local catchment area. This creates a foundation to work:

  • inside-out – keeping an outward focus for young people and building community contacts for them from the point of entry
  • outside-in – bringing the community into the centre to work with young people.

Our approach puts local community at the forefront of our service delivery. This means we will help build and maintain strong, positive connections between our young people and these communities.

More information

For more information, contact the project team at NYDC@youthjustice.qld.gov.au