Safeguarding Experts
Justice and Detention Services
Children and young people in contact with the justice system are among the most vulnerable in our community. Youth justice centres, detention facilities and justice-related programs exercise significant authority over young people, and must ensure that safety, dignity and wellbeing are protected at every stage.
Expert legal services to justice and detention services
Step by Step implementation
Here when you need us
Child Safety in Justice and Detention Services
Young people in youth justice and detention settings often have complex needs, including trauma histories, disability, mental health concerns and disrupted education. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are significantly over-represented in the youth justice system, making cultural safety a critical safeguarding priority.
Justice and detention services involve unique safeguarding risks, including the use of force, restraint, searches and separation, significant power imbalances between staff and young people, and limited contact with family and community. These risks require clear policies, rigorous record keeping and independent oversight.
Organisations delivering justice and detention services are generally required to comply with the Child Safe Standards where they apply, and may be captured by Reportable Conduct Schemes in some jurisdictions. Allegations involving staff must be handled fairly, promptly and, where appropriate, by an independent investigator.
Regulators and oversight bodies expect organisations to show that young people can raise complaints safely, that incidents are reviewed and learned from, and that staff are trained and supported to work in a trauma-informed and culturally safe way.
Our Services
Child Safety Policies
Developing child safety policies, codes of conduct, and complaints handling processes for justice and detention services
Child Safety Investigations
Independent, trauma-informed investigations into allegations involving staff and contractors, including use of force and conduct incidents
Audits
Audits and gap analysis against the Child Safe Standards with practical safeguarding recommendations for justice and detention services
Child Safety Training
Tailored child safety training for custodial staff, caseworkers, program staff, managers and contractors
Legal Advice
Expert safeguarding legal advice for justice and detention services, including compliance obligations, complaints and critical incidents
Incident Management
Root cause analyses of critical child safety incidents with crisis management and regulatory compliance support