Cultural Practice Mandate

Youth Justice NSW recognises the importance of a culturally safe service system for Aboriginal young people. Youth Justice NSW has implemented a Cultural Practice Mandate and supports all staff increasing their cultural competency. The agency has committed to increasing identified positions across Youth Justice NSW and requires using a trauma-informed approach in all work with young people. It also has a focus on providing therapeutic spaces for the young person and working towards restoration with their family where possible.

The Aboriginal Practice Mandate is a directive on how Youth Justice NSW is to work with its Aboriginal colleagues as experts in Aboriginal cultural practice. It emphasises the understanding that supporting, maintaining and restoring connection to culture is critical for the young people that Youth Justice works with and this is not an optional element of Youth Justice's work with young people. All Youth Justice NSW staff must be familiar with the Youth Justice 'Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Best Practice Guide' and 'Cultural Respect Framework.' Participation in cultural activities is a right for young people and must be prioritised and maintained.