Youth Justice cultural units

Youth Justice acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and recognise their connection to land, wind, water and community. We pay our respect to Elders both past, present and emerging.

Importance of a cultural unit

A cultural unit is a point of contact to:

  • make sure we best support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the youth justice system
  • give cultural advice and information
  • communicate with the right people about cultural matters.

As well as supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the youth justice system, our cultural units have helped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members to broaden their skills and experience.

Youth Justice Cultural Unit

The Youth Justice Cultural Unit works with other teams across Youth Justice, including regions. They embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives, knowledge, participation and capability across the youth justice system.

The Youth Justice Cultural Unit provides secretariat support to the Youth Justice First Nations Action Board and works in consultation with the board.

The unit also:

  • provides cultural guidance and input in senior departmental forums
  • facilitates cultural capability training
  • helps the department to develop operational policies, procedures, programs and systems.

Cleveland Youth Detention Centre Cultural Unit

The Cleveland Youth Detention Centre Cultural Unit is part of the client services section of the detention centre. The unit works with the leadership team to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the centre. It also engages with Elders and other community members to help young people establish and maintain cultural links to their community.

Brisbane Youth Detention Centre Cultural Unit

The Brisbane Youth Detention Centre Cultural Unit is part of the client services section of the detention centre. The unit works with the leadership team and Indigenous Reference Group to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the centre.