The Custodial Inspector’s review of the transportation of children and young people to and from Ashley Youth Detention Centre has revealed concerning unsafe practises of contracted security staff and a systemic lack of oversight by the Department of Education, Children and Young People.
It’s completely unacceptable that the human rights of children and young people continue to be violated in custodial settings. The Custodial Inspector found concerning “significant inconsistencies” in safeguarding practises for children and young people during transfers to and from AYDC.
There has been a systematic failure by the DECYP to oversee the practises of private security officers and ensure children and young people are safe. These systemic failures have allowed unsafe practices during transport of children and young people by contracted security services.
The report of contracted security officers creating an improvised “spit hood” by pulling a young person’s t-shirt over their head, making it hard for them to breath, is harrowing. The use of spit hoods is a violation of human rights and should be prohibited by law, as recommended by the Custodial Inspector.
Other systemic issues uncovered by the Custodial Inspector relating to the use of force, incident reporting, and screening and training of private security officers must be addressed. The care of children and young people in custody should be truly respectful and therapeutic.
The Liberal Government must fully adopt and implement the recommendations of the Custodial Inspector to ensure the safety of Tasmanian children.
