As the Independent Chair of the group, I approached the setting up and running of the group with some trepidation. Would young people want to take part? Would they believe their views would be taken seriously – or see it as just another tick-the-box exercise? And finally, would I be able to advocate for them in a way that ensures their concerns are heard and lead to real outcomes?

Some challenges in getting the group up and running included having enough youth workers available to support young people’s participation. Preparation with the young people was also essential – helping them to articulate their concerns, stay focused during the group and listen respectfully to one another. The Children’s Advocate, Ashley School Principal and Director of Community and Custodial Youth Justice all worked collaboratively to facilitate the running of the group.

Over time, young people embraced the opportunity to share their experiences about life in detention. The numbers of young people wanting to participate in the meeting grew, and they have been brutally honest about changes they have wanted to see. Initially, I expected requests for big-ticket items – flat screen TVs, and heated swimming pools. While some young people did ask for these luxuries, most consistently asked for greater connections – with their family, friends, peers and the youth workers who care for them.

One young person suggested Sunday lunches with the other young people in the centre, followed by a football match. Others have asked for more time and greater opportunities to have contact with family and friends, both by phone and in person. One simple but powerful request summed up what many were feeling:

“I wish youth workers would spend more time with young people on the floor, rather than sitting in the office”.

The simple need for connection is something we all share, but it becomes even more urgent for young people who are isolated and locked up away from family, friends and community. Many of these young people have experienced significant trauma, which can make it hard to express and manage their need for connection in healthy ways. Sometimes they lash out – verbally or physically hurting the very people they want to be close to. This behaviour often leads to further isolation, which only deepens the cycle of loneliness.

Many of the young people are aware of these patterns and are actively asking for support. As one young person so eloquently put it:

“If I have beef with another young person, why can’t we have mediation to sort out our problems, rather than moving units or not having contact with them”.

The tenacity and clarity with which young people have spoken up has inspired me further to advocate strongly on their behalf. Over time, we have seen some small but important gains: greater access in units to toiletries such as shampoo, sturdier runners and later bedtimes.  These practical changes show young people that sharing their concerns can lead to real outcomes — and that physical responses or breaking the rules aren’t the only ways to get their needs met.

Participation has so many benefits including increased confidence, self-esteem, connectedness and belonging. It also supports young people to consider the perspective of others, build negotiation skills, develop their language and navigate wins and disappointment.

I’m looking forward to continuing to support this work and to seeing what other changes we can tackle together. Young people in detention have made it clear that they want to be heard—and when given the chance, they engage thoughtfully, advocate for themselves and others, and contribute ideas that build a stronger, more connected environment for everyone.