Call to address violence at youth jails
Malmsbury and Parkville youth prisons have been plagued with violent incidents now a damming report has lifted the lid on just how dire the situation has become for hundreds of staff.
Police & Courts
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A damning report has found violence and aggression in two of the state’s youth prisons “must be addressed” to protect the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of staff.
The University of South Australia risk assessment survey — which interviewed 162 prison guards from the troubled Malmsbury and Parkville prisons — found behavioural management of incarcerated young people was a “difficult” part of the job.
Logistical problems at the two prisons were flagged — including staffing, task and workload allocation, training, recognition and retention, and performance management.
“Both sets of risk factors — job-related factors and work- design factors — need to be addressed to protect the mental health and wellbeing of staff,” the Centre for Workplace Excellence report said.
“Overall there is high level of risk to staff mental health and wellbeing at both precincts.
“At both sites, the four highest-rated risk areas identified through the risk assessment were managing tasks and workload; managing underperformance; appraising and rewarding job performance; and maintaining a safe work environment.”
Opposition Youth Justice spokesman Brad Battin said the government had “failed for years” to ensure Victoria’s youth justice facilities were safe places for staff to work.
“With assaults an almost daily occurrence at these facilities, the results of this risk assessment should come as no surprise to Daniel Andrews, and yet still he fails to act,” Mr Battin said. “This risk assessment clearly shows just how dangerous Parkville and Malmsbury are for the hardworking staff at these centres.
“Young people are sent to these centres to be rehabilitated. Instead, while inside, they’re using staff as punching-bags and are coming out more hardened criminals than when they went in.”
The survey was completed between May 1 to May 23 last year in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria and the Community and Public Sector Union.
This year, both prisons have been plagued with violent incidents, including one in February when two teenage Malmsbury inmates ambushed a female staff member, snatching her swipe card and assaulting her in a bid to escape.
An officer was attacked by an inmate at Parkville in January and was repeatedly punched to the head.
A Department of Justice spokesman said youth justice staff work in “challenging environments” and it was “critical” they were supported to do so safely.
“This report is dated and a range of measures to improve safety and security have been implemented, including the creation of a dedicated health and wellbeing team and program to support staff,” a department spokesman said.
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