Staff Wellbeing and Communication

Abstract

International children’s rights standards identify the importance of staffing and communication in the implementation of the rights-based model of detention. The recruitment, training and performance of staff, as well as research and communication, are integral to the provision and protection of children’s rights in detention. This chapter focuses on the relevance to the advancement of children’s rights in detention of focus on: recruitment, learning and development, communication and staff well-being. It notes the important role played by awareness raising, research and evaluation, and finally communication in ensuring advancement of the rights-based approach. The experience of Oberstown Children Detention Campus is that measures to advance staff development and well-being are essential to underpin the positive work environment and the quality of care provided to children. Technology and better data collection have improved decision-making, placing research in the public domain has enhanced public understanding of the challenges faced by children in detention. Robust evaluation of programmes and approaches remains a gap to be filled to ensure that the rights of children are being effectively met in detention.