Youth Justice cultural units
Importance of a cultural unit
A cultural unit is a point of contact to:
- ensure we best support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths in the youth justice system
- give cultural advice and information
- communicate with the right people about cultural matters.
As well as supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths in the youth justice system, our cultural units have helped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members to broaden their skills and experience.
Youth Justice Cultural Unit
The Youth Justice Cultural Unit works with other teams across Youth Justice, including regions. They embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives, knowledge, participation, and capability across the youth justice system.
The Youth Justice Cultural Unit provides secretariat support to the First Nations Action Board and works in consultation with the Board.
The cultural unit also:
- provides cultural guidance and input in senior departmental forums
- facilitates cultural capability training
- helps the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support to develop operational policies, procedures, programs, and systems.
Youth detention centre cultural units
Cultural units and cultural liaison officers provide cultural support in youth detention centres by:
- working with the leadership team
- directly supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths in detention centres
- engaging with internal and external stakeholders to provide essential frontline support to promote, establish, and maintain youths' cultural identities and connections
- providing training to staff and key stakeholders to ensure that engagement and services are culturally appropriate
- encouraging centre-wide participation in significant cultural traditions, customs, and protocols
- participating in case planning processes to support youths' transition and reintegration back into their communities.