The Territory Labor Government is transforming the youth justice systems in the Northern Territory, with a new milestone being reached with the completion of a new therapeutic model of care.
The Northern Territory Youth Detention Centres Model of Care informs how youth justice centres will work to rehabilitate young offenders and keep the community safe.
The Model of Care, which underwent extensive consultation, is central to how youth justice centres of the future will operate, including the new Darwin Youth Justice Centre.
Youth and their families, health and education providers, youth detention staff, advocates, police, service delivery partners and sector experts were all involved in developing the model.
Key components include the expanded recruitment of Aboriginal staff, including into leadership positions, and stronger “through care” support structures which, in necessary circumstances, will continue after a young person has left youth detention.
Change is happening now, with the Model of Care being rolled out across youth detention services in the Territory.
Construction on the new Darwin Youth Justice Centre is also well underway following a lengthy consultation and design phase, followed by COVID pandemic and seasonal delays.
When completed next year, the centre will deliver the most progressive youth justice infrastructure in Australia having been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation. The current Don Dale facility will be closed.
Quotes from Minister for Families, Kate Worden:
“Territory Labor promised to act on historical issues in youth justice in the Northern Territory, we are now delivering.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to develop a way of supporting young people that is in their interests but also in the interests of community safety.
“The Territory Labor Government is contemporising our youth justice system and delivering changes to move away from the youth detention practices of the past.”
Northern Territory Government
