‘Dozens’ of staff at Adelaide Youth Training Centre off work because of assaults, bullying and stress, parliament hears

Teens in the Adelaide Youth Training Centre are being locked in their rooms and away from classes because of “complex and potentially volatile issues”, the union’s warned.

“Dozens” of staff at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre are off work because of assaults, bullying and stress, which has left young offenders unable to attend education sessions, state parliament has been told.

In question time this week, Labor MLC Clare Scriven said a “concerned stakeholder” had contacted the Opposition to raise the allegations that “dozens of workers attached to the centre” at Cavan had been sidelined.

Ms Scriven said it was alleged some of the stress experienced by staff had been caused by management.

“It has been alleged the centre is only managing by getting the small number of remaining staff to work significant overtime,” she said.

“It has been further alleged that the lack of staff is resulting in young people being confined to their rooms for extended periods, and not being able to attend education.”

The Public Service Association (PSA), the union representing prison workers, agreed “a significant number of staff” were unable to work, but could not say how many and added that some were gone for reasons such as maternity leave and secondment.

“Certainly at the moment what we are seeing is a significant shortfall in what would be the ideal complement of staff on any day,” SA general secretary Nev Kitchin said.

“There are issues around a number of staff who, as a result of a number of circumstances, are unable to work at this moment in time.”

PSA SA general secretary Nev Kitchin agreed “a significant number of staff” at the centre were unable to work. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

Young offenders have missed out on education sessions because of a staff shortage at the Adelaide Youth Training Centre.

Responding to suggestions staff had been sidelined by assaults, Mr Kitchin said the union had been aware for some time of “a number of complex and potentially volatile issues” affecting the training centre.

He said one issue related to restrictions around the use of force within such an environment.

“The manner in which you are able to restrain a child is very different to an adult prison … nobody has an exact answer,” he said.

Mr Kitchin was aware of one “melee” this week that left three staff members with abrasions and bruising after an altercation with some of the children.

Others have been forced to take time away from work because of mental and emotional stresses caused by the job, leaving remaining workers unable to meet the staffing requirements to move children to and from education sessions and other appointments.

In a statement, a Department for Human Services spokeswoman said the care, safety and education of children and young people at the Kurlana Tapa Youth Training Centre (Adelaide Youth Training Centre) was a priority for the government.

“Kurlana Tapa has a staffing ratio of four residents to one staff member, which is standard practice across the youth justice system in SA,” she said.

“This ensures sufficient and appropriate supervision while promoting close attention to individual needs.

“Children and young people in Kurlana Tapa receive a diverse education program in a modern environment to ensure they maintain appropriate schooling for their needs.”

When asked by Ms Scriven, Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink it was her understanding that the ratio was currently being met.

There are currently 178 full-time equivalent staff at the centre, including 12 who have recently commenced and nine who are in the process of starting. An additional recruitment process is also underway.

Opposition human services spokeswoman Nat Cook said the government has a responsibility to ensure young people are not missing out on education and access to supports.

“Consistency and reinforcement of skills is vital for young people in the training centre so as to enable them to exit the justice system in a way that sees them able to succeed in their lives,” she said.

“This staffing crisis would not have happened overnight and nor will it be resolved quickly.”