While Riverina Juvenile Justice Centre’s (RJJC) 23 inmates are undertaking training and being provided daily meals, “liberated” teenagers are enduring domestic violence, poverty and deep-seated drug and alcohol issues.  

The Daily Advertiser explored Glenfield Park’s “juvy” on Tuesday to discover more about the individuals driving the city’s rampant crime rate. 

Prison warden Rob Clarke, who has worked in the facility for more than a decade, believes his toughest challenge has been trying to steer some offenders away from the revolving door of crime. 

While he has seen a number of success stories, Mr Clarke has also dealt with juveniles who voluntarily chose to be incarcerated. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to break the cycle if they don’t want the cycle broken in the first place,” he said.

“We have one bloke who already has a lot of offences under his belt, and he intentionally committed a crime so he could come back and be here with his cousin.

“When they have a bed, food, access to education and support – that’s often more than they can get on the outside.” 

Inmates are given access to TAFE training, high-school education, counselling, spiritual guidance, a swimming pool, sports fields and exercise classes. 

A 16-year-old detainee, who could not be identified due to child protection laws, claimed he recently earned his Certificate IV in bricklaying and is beginning to turn his life around. 

It comes just 14 months after he allegedly carried out an aggravated burglary – a crime which he has not yet been sentenced for. 

“I dropped out of school in Year 8 and didn’t bother showing up but now I want to focus on school,” he said. 

“I would love to either be a music journalist or a builder.

“It’s easy to get caught up in bad habits when you are in a bad place and around the wrong people.” 

The boy studies from 9am to 3pm every day of the week, and has two weekly counsellor appointments to address his post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Being here has changed my life,” he said. 

According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, the re-conviction rate for NSW juveniles stands at 79 per cent.

RJJC centre manager Daniel Addison believes most juveniles would opt for freedom over imprisonment. 

“At the end of the day, a big steel door closes behind them every night,” Mr Addison said.