Tackling Challenging Behaviour Children Detention Schools June 27 th 2014 Birmingham DA Tony O’DonovanJackie Leonard Child Welfare AdvisorUnit Manager CDS

Mission Statement "To create a safer society by working in partnership to reduce youth offending through appropriate interventions and linkages into services". Irish Youth Justice Service

Leadership and build public confidence in youth justice system Reduce offending Community sanctions and initiatives Safe and secure environment for detained children, assisting re-integration into the community Information and data sources in the youth justice system Youth Justice Action Plan - 5 high level goals

Background  Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS)/Dept. Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA)  Children Detention Schools (CDS) Present Structures - Unification of a Campus Staff Body (Qualifications/Experience) Policy Development

Physical Restraint Systems  Review of Existing System 1983 – 1987 (Self-Defense Training – Police) 1987 – 1991 (C&R – Prisons) 1991 – 1996 (C&R Services – Mental Health) 1996 – 2008 (TCI)

Review  Review of Behaviour Management (2008) Child Welfare Advisor CDS Management & Staff CPI  Beginning of Review Process  Nearly 2 year Process

Problems Highlighted  Lack of Staff Confidence  High Number of Restraints & Injuries  Suitability for Setting  Preparation for Managing Older YP  Greater Resources Required for Training  Consistency Across Campus

Policy Parameters  Must: Accredited Course Not Rely on Pain Compliance Be Resourced at Trainer Level Be Consistent in Delivery Stand up to Cross-Examination Be Adaptable to Environment Be Developmental in Nature

Development  Working Group  Input from Independent Providers  Review of Existing Programmes  Public Tender for Provision  Awarding of Contract  Development of a ‘Bespoke’ Programme in Conjunction with CPI

‘Bespoke’ Programme  Acknowledged Experience of Staff & Trainers  Dichotomy between Security/Care  Different Environments (Old/Newer Units)  Different Staff Perspectives

Obstacles  IR Issues  Implementation Issues  On-going Training  Practice Drill Sessions  Co-ordination of Reporting

Statistics

What Stats Tell Us  Overall Drop in Restraints  Drop in Injuries  Ability to Manage Change  Quality of Training  Quality of Staff

Staff Training  Instils Confidence  Teaches More than the Course  Gives Trainers a Sense of Worth  Allows Staff Experience Success  Better Outcome for Young People