Public Service Association (PSA) members attended a meeting on the 17th October 2008 to discuss the current status of safety measures being implemented by the Department for Families and Communities(DFC) at Magill Youth Training Centre. Members expressed considerable concern for their safety after six assaults in the centre occurred in the last month. Subsequently, the following resolutions were passed unanimously:

1. "Magill Youth Training Centre PSA members endorse and support the Industrial Action being undertaken by fellow members in Families SA. Members condemn the State Government for not adequately funding Families SA to perform all the work that it is mandated to perform."

2. "PSA members are disappointed with the decision of the classification panel of the Community Youth Justice Review that changed case manager classifications from OPS stream to PO stream, removing career paths for OPS Youth Workers."

3. "Due to increasing number of intellectually disabled and mental health affected residents, PSA members request that a suitably qualified Nurse be rostered on weekends and public holidays to commence no later than the 8th November 2008. Members do not have the qualifications, skills and experience to deal effectively with these special needs residents. Staffing ratios should be increased to deal with these residents in a safe and effective manner. Members will consider undertaking an industrial campaign to ensure Magill Youth Training Centre residents and staff''s safety is protected."

4. "Members demand that all future best practice recommendations made by management are endorsed by OHS&W Representatives and the PSA prior to being implemented. This includes any plans for a new facility."

5. "Members demand that two (2) "Safe Rooms" be built immediately. These rooms are to have cut-outs for cuffing and un-cuffing residents safely and all cameras in cabins are to be mounted in the centre of the ceiling. Members require new leg irons to be provided ASAP and an updated standard operating procedure in the use of them."

6. " Members require Personal Protective Equipment, to include helmets and upper body armour to use in cell extractions when members are self harming or are armed."

7. "Members demand that the sick bay be upgraded to meet best practice standards, such as removing the toilet and replacing it with a best practice version."

A number of other matters were also discussed. Members are seeking resolutions to these matters. The additional issues are:

• Members believe the Department should review the policy on the use of capsicum spray, with a view to allowing Senior Shift Officers to use CS or capsicum spray to intervene during violent assaults against residents or staff.

• Members seek to have the Senior Shift Officer provided with the authority to ensure that visiting Community Youth Justice staff be escorted should it be deemed necessary.

• Members require all visiting Families SA staff to complete a Care and Concern report after visiting residents to ensure effective communication and feedback is given in relation to the well being and state of mind of the resident.

• Members have concerns that KRONOS operates differently between both Secure Care centres. Therefore training should be provided to ensure that members who fill shifts at other centres are familiar with how the systems work on-site.

• Members require a consistent Behaviour Management programme be implemented throughout the centre.

• Members seek a review of the use of 5 minute checks to determine if this is appropriate, in situations where there are concerns regarding self harm.

This has been passed on to the Chief Executive (CE) of DFC and PSA members expect a response within fourteen days.

If you have any other questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact your PSA Representatives or PSA Industrial Officer, Jean-Guy Townsend on 8205 3233 or email jgt@cpsu.asn.au