‘Hear Me Out’ Inquiry Report on youth detention in WA released today

‘Hear Me Out’ Inquiry Report on youth detention in WA released today.

A new report detailing the findings of an inquiry into the operating model of care in WA’s troubled youth detention centres was tabled in Parliament today by Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones.

‘Hear Me Out’ features the voices and perspectives of 43 children and young people detained at Banksia Hill and Unit 18, along with staff and service providers.

It also includes 16 findings and recommendations, which are primarily based upon the data and information provided to the inquiry by the Department of Justice.

The children and young people interviewed spoke about lots of lockdowns, not having enough staff around, some use of force, racism, feeling worried about other children and young people in detention, upcoming court appearances, funerals and sorry business, programs that don’t suit them or don’t interest them, breaking the rules and sometimes being managed differently or not being supported after release.

The report is the result of a formal inquiry by the Commissioner for Children and Young People under Section 19(f) of the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act 2006 (the Act). It reviews the implementation of the operating Model of Care at Banksia Hill and Unit 18.

“On 3 October 2023, due to ongoing concerns regarding children and young people in detention in WA, I determined it critical to hear the views of detainees at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 custodial facilities at Casuarina Prison,” the Commissioner said.

“My role as Commissioner is to ask children and young people what they think about issues that affect them. This includes children and young people in detention.”

The 43 young people interviewed shared their views on daily life at both facilities, including interactions with staff, services, education, food, family contact, concerns and their hopes for the future.

The Inquiry Team also spoke to staff and service providers at the prisons and reviewed documents provided to the Commissioner for Children and Young People upon request by the Department of Justice, particularly in relation to the Implementation of the Model of Care.

“The resulting ‘Hear Me Out’ inquiry report highlights the systemic failure of successive governments that did not put the needs of children and young people as their primary consideration,” the Commissioner said.

“We must do better to ensure that children and young people in detention are receiving appropriate care and support so that when they leave, they have a chance of breaking the cycle and succeeding in life after detention.”

The ‘Hear Me Out’ report and a young people’s summary are available here.