Hear Me Out: Inquiry into Implementation Progress for Banksia Hill’s Model of Care Instruction (2024)

The focus of this inquiry was the progress of the implementation of the model of care at Banksia Hill Detention Centre (BHDC) and Unit 18 at Casuarina Adult Maximum Security Custodial Prison, managed by the Department of Corrective Services, Western Australia.

Overview

Process

Outcomes

Western Australia (WA) is home to 652,890 children and young people aged 0 to 17. Of these, approximately 7.4 per cent (47,700) are Aboriginal. Despite this, on 04 December 2024 they made up 66 per cent of the total population of children and young people in detention.   

Interviews were conducted face to face with children and young people over a period of five weeks across both BDHC and Unit 18.  Our participation guidelines require consent prior to interviews taking place.  If a child is under 16 years, consent is obtained from a parent or guardian, as well as consent from the child.  Those aged 16 and above, can provide their own consent. 

The project team commenced engagement with groups of children and young people at BHDC in the first week by letting them know what the project team would be doing, and why, and provided an opportunity to answer any queries they had in relation to our planned interviews.  The Department assisted the team with this process, led by support staff prior to our arrival.  This provided an opportunity for the project team to introduce themselves prior to commencing the formal interview process.

In January and February 2023 the Project Team interviewed a total of 43 children and young people which is approximately 50% of the total population at BHDC and 85% housed at Unit 18.  At their request, three young people returned for a second interview with the team. 

The inquiry gave 43 children and young people an opportunity to provide feedback about their experiences in youth detention. Some of the participants gave excellent solutions and suggestions to address ongoing issues within the centre, which have been captured in the Hear Me Out report