Detention with purpose

Detention with purpose supports the government’s commitment to holding youth accountable for their actions and keeping the community safe. It also helps youth build the skills and mindset they need to make better choices and lead positive lives.

Detention with purpose focuses on:

• rehabilitation
• discipline
• accountability.

This program supports youth transition to the Staying on track program by ensuring continuity of education, programs and reintegration supports between detention and the community.

Deliverables are aligned under 3 core pillars:

• compulsory education
• staff safety
• behaviour management.

Compulsory education

All youth in detention must attend school and programs as part of a structured daily routine. Participation in school is mandatory, with refusals managed under the behaviour support framework.

Flexible education delivery, in collaboration with the Department of Education, maximises learning opportunities.

Tailored interventions address barriers such as learning difficulties and motivation to change, to support engagement and improve learning outcomes.

Staff safety

Youth detention centres are committed to providing a safe environment for staff and youth.

Violence or threats against staff are not tolerated and youth who assault staff face clear consequences

Those who pose serious or ongoing risks will be managed through a tiered risk response framework, with mandatory safeguards and therapeutic interventions.

Staff wellbeing and accountability processes are prioritised.

Behaviour management

Youth are supported to take responsibility for their actions and develop positive behaviours. Staff use a relational approach to foster respect, role modelling and accountability for youth and tailored behaviour support plans are developed to encourage meaningful and lasting change.

Behavioural expectations are clearly defined, easy to understand, and consistently reinforced by staff.

Positive behaviour is rewarded through a structured privileges system and privileges are removed in response to misbehaviour.