Ms Carol Baxter:

The standards are an example of the collaboration that RIA has had with the NGO sector, including NGOs such as the Jesuit Refugee Service. The Children's Rights Alliance was integrally involved in the standards development process and the standards themselves were developed and facilitated by an independent facilitator. It is a very good example of collaboration that covers accommodation, food and living conditions. An example of where there will be a step change is in the area of training. It will require ongoing training of centre staff and management with regard to person-centred approaches to the delivery of services. There will be training on interculturalism, awareness of trauma and mental health issues and whether a person has experienced sexual or domestic violence. We feel this represents a step change in the capacity of centre managers and staff to engage with centre residents.