Operating model for youth detention centres

The youth detention operating model (PDF, 7.2MB) (DOCX) (the operating model) explains how Queensland’s youth detention centres provide safe, structured and rehabilitative services for youth in detention.

It outlines how:

• the centres operate
• services are delivered
• the workforce is organised.

Overview of the youth detention operating model (PDF, 337KB) (DOCX).

The operating model ensures staff work in ways that support the wellbeing, culture, and safety of youth in all parts of their daily routine and aligns with key reforms, including Detention with Purpose and Staying on Track. These initiatives focus on rehabilitation, improving safety and helping youth return to the community with better skills and support.

The operating model is supported by a set of core documents, including:

• legislation and our philosophy of youth detention – the values and principles that guide safe, fair, and rehabilitative services for youth
• youth detention operational policies
• the youth detention centre operations manual.

This is demonstrated visually in our youth detention policy and procedure framework (DOCX, 468KB) (PDF, 477KB).

A centralised team is responsible for:

• practice reform, support, and development
• maintenance and publishing of youth detention policies and procedures
• maintenance and publishing of the youth detention centre operations manual, related appendices, and other documents.

To ensure the operating model, policies, and procedures remain relevant and accurate, this team works with youth detention centre staff and other stakeholders, and considers relevant findings and recommendations made by oversight agencies.

There is also a central practice support consultative committee that oversees all youth detention issues across the state, and reports to an agency consultative committee.

Together, these elements ensure a clear and consistent approach to how youth detention centres function. It supports safe, structured, and rehabilitative environments where youth are given the opportunities they need to build skills and prepare for a positive return to the community.