Australian Capital Territory
Corrections Management (At Risk Detainee) Policy 2018 (No 2)
Notifiable instrument NI2018-219
made under the  
Corrections Management Act 2007, s14 (Corrections policies and operating procedures), s15 (Exclusions from notified corrections policies and procedures 2017)

1	Name of instrument
This instrument is the Corrections Management (At Risk Detainee) Policy 2018 
(No 2).
2	Commencement
This instrument commences on the day after its notification day.
3	Policy
I make this policy to facilitate the effective and efficient management of correctional services.
4.	Revocation
This instrument revokes the Corrections Management (At Risk Detainee) Policy 2018 [NI2018-192]. 

Jon Peach
Executive Director 
ACT Corrective Services
30 April 2018

at risk detainee policy
policy no. 26

	

ACT Corrective Services

	

CONTENTS
1	STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
2	SCOPE
3	PRINCIPLES
4	DEFINITIONS
5	RELATED DOCUMENTS

1	
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
ACT Corrective Services (ACTCS) is committed to providing appropriate care and support to detainees who are identified as ‘at risk’ of suicide or self-harm. 
2		SCOPE 
This policy applies to ACT correctional centres.
3	PRINCIPLES
The following principles apply:
•	ACTCS manages the prevention of suicide and self-harm in custody as a key priority, and has implemented an integrated approach consistent with legislative requirements to manage at risk detainees. 
•	Suicide is a complex problem and requires a multidisciplinary approach. All employees will adopt a team approach and work together to share information, knowledge and skills in assessing and managing detainees. 
•	ACTCS is conscious that early identification and notification of ‘at risk’ detainees is an essential element of ensuring detainees’ safety and wellbeing while in custody.
•	Upon admission to an ACT correctional centre, detainees are assessed within 24 hours to establish a risk rating and identify any issues that could render them vulnerable and at risk.
•	ACTCS staff are appropriately trained to promptly identify and manage at risk detainees.
•	Staff will aim to make decisions on a team basis to enable officers and employees to take justified risks where appropriate.
•	ACTCS provides an environment that is conducive to minimising self-harm and mitigates risk to detainees.
•	ACTCS aims to provide an environment that minimises stress, loss of dignity, social isolation and all forms of bullying.
•	Where appropriate, consideration is given to minimising detainees’ isolation and maximising their interaction with others, while maintaining the safety of all parties.
•	ACTCS ensures that all detainees are provided with access to appropriate and measured programs and assistance in resolving personal difficulties and crises.
•	ACTCS ensures that there are strategies in place to support detainees with special needs and those that are statistically more susceptible to suicide or self-harm.
•	ACTCS takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all at risk detainees who are being escorted. 
•	At risk detainees are managed through a framework of assessments and management strategies, including engagement in ongoing support and intervention.
•	ACTCS works collaboratively with ACT Health to assess and care for at risk detainees. 
•	ACTCS shares relevant information with ACT Health to ensure consistent and appropriate care is provided to detainees. 
4	DEFINITIONS
At Risk Detainee 
A detainee identified or assessed as being at risk of suicide or self-harm, requiring immediate intervention and management.
Suicide 
An unnatural, self-inflicted death in which the person had intent to die.
Self-Harm
The act of injuring oneself with non-fatal consequences. Rather than an attempt by a detainee to intentionally end their life, self-harm is most often used as a strategy to actually cope with life and deal with negative emotions such as anger, frustration, depression, anxiety or fear, hopelessness and loss.
5	RELATED DOCUMENTS 
•	Induction Policy 
•	Induction Operating Procedure 
•	Detainee At Risk Operating Procedure 
•	Code Pink Operating Procedure

Jon Peach
Executive Director
ACT Corrective Services 
16 April 2018

Document details
Criteria	Details	
Document title:	Corrections Management (At Risk Detainee) Policy 2018	
Document owner/approver:	Executive Director, ACT Corrective Services	
Date effective:	The day after the notification date	
Review date:	Three years after the notification date	
Compliance with law:	This policy reflects the requirements of the Corrections Management (Policy and Operating Procedure Framework) Policy 2017	
Responsible officer: 	Head of Accommodation 	
Version  1