A new clinical intervention centre at the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre at Kariong is set to drive down rates of re-offending and support detainees to make positive life choices.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, joined Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, to open the new centre on January 25.
Ward said the $2.7M facility would be a one-stop-shop for specialist, therapeutic treatment to help address offending behaviour.
“This new clinic will enable better, more effective intervention in a safe, secure and purpose-built environment,” he said.
“We are focused on improving community safety and reducing reoffending while at the same time strengthening our centres across NSW by improving security infrastructure, policy and practice.
“Investments in facilities like this provide our staff with the tools they need to give detainees the best chance of rehabilitation.”
The clinic consists of six intervention rooms for individual and small group counselling sessions, and one large room to facilitate offence-focused group intervention.
Psychologists, caseworkers, a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist will work at the centre, providing opportunities for more coordinated therapeutic counselling and casework.
Crouch said the clinic would assist staff in the important role they play in turning young lives around.
“This state-of-the-art facility features controlled internet capabilities, allowing for virtual visits with community officers, outside agencies and families,” he said.
“When young people enter custody, we need to do everything possible to make sure they never return.
“I am proud this new facility is based on the Central Coast and is one of the ways the NSW Government is reducing recidivism by connecting young offenders to the support they need.”
The State Government is investing $6.8M this financial year to strengthen security and infrastructure in the State’s six youth justice centres.
Source:
Media release, Jan 25
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch