We extend a big welcome to our two new team members, Alicia Smith and Steve Goss. Alicia is our Senior Policy Officer while Steve will head up the newly-created Youth Treatment Orders Visitor role.
Alicia Smith – Senior Policy Officer
Alicia has a background in law and human rights, with a strong passion for advocacy, engaging with communities and working for change.
Alicia’s career has focussed on criminal justice, equal opportunity and human and children’s rights, as well as providing advocacy and education to communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Most recently, she has worked at the Fair Work Ombudsman focussing on strategies to reduce and address the exploitation of migrant workers.
How do you think the learnings from your previous roles will support this role within OGCYP?
My most important learning has been the power of listening. We are all unique and have travelled different paths. Real change comes from listening to each other’s stories with respect and an open heart.
What inspires you to work with children and young people in care/youth detention?
The courage and passion of the amazing children and young people I have worked with throughout my career – to survive the challenges they find in these systems and be advocates for themselves, their peers and their communities.
What are you most looking forward to in the role?
The chance to work with the advocates at OGCYP, to learn about the change they want to see and help make that a reality.
What three words would your friends and family use to describe you?
Brave, loud, fun-loving.
What do you do when you’re not working?
You’re most likely to find me at my piano or guitar – until my dogs bark at me to go for a walk! It definitely doesn’t take much convincing to get me out with them on a hiking trail or the beach.
Steve Goss – Youth Treatment Orders Project Officer
Steve comes to the Office having worked in youth justice both as a youth worker and a case manager, as well as working in child protection/out-of-home care. He has also worked as a program officer for the family support program, Family by Family.
Steve will establish the basis for the Training Centre Visitor’s new Youth Treatment Orders Visitor role and carry out its functions, such as:
- visiting and inspecting facilities where children and young people are detained under Youth Treatment Orders
- monitoring the health, safety and wellbeing of these children and young people.
(The Youth Treatment Orders Scheme was recently added to the Controlled Substances Act 1984 to impose mandatory assessment and treatment of a child or young person deemed to be a habitual user of, and dependent on, one or more ‘controlled drugs’. In the initial phase, the Scheme only applies to detainees at the Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre.)
Steve will engage directly with children and young people at Kurlana Tapa and the staff who work with them and undertake the complex policy work and negotiations necessary to fulfil this completely new mandate.
How do you think the learnings from your previous roles will support this role within OGCYP?
Having experience of how the youth justice system works from within the department will be valuable when navigating the Youth Treatment Orders if, or when, they begin. Also, the networks from across the industry are helpful. My experience as a youth worker both in Kurlana Tapa and residential care may be of assistance to other aspects of the Guardian/TCV work.
What inspires you to work with children and young people in care/youth detention?
The fact young people are in either system suggests an unfair beginning to life, and what is more worthy than seeking to assist disadvantaged youth? More personally, though, I suppose, I was a bit of a ratbag and seem to connect with the honest, interesting and challenging cohort that is the youth in these systems.
What are you most looking forward to in the role?
I am looking forward to working with people who are proactively involved in addressing systemic issues rather than simply working with them.
What three words would your friends and family use to describe you?
Inquisitive, honest, challenging
What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy making wooden furniture, so spend a fair bit of time in the shed in the evenings/weekends. I also enjoy staying healthy through sports and having fun with family/friends. I have recently become somewhat obsessed with cryptic crosswords.
We're hiring!
We’re looking for an Advocate, Aboriginal Children – find out more on I work for SA
Expressions of interest for the role of Guardian for Children and Young People/Training Centre Visitor closes on 31 May 2022. For more details visit the Seek website.
