The state government is ramping up recruitment for staff at Victoria’s youth justice facilities in response to recent violence. 

Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre will receive a share of some of the 41 new staff positions announced on Thursday as part of a ‘comprehensive plan to address violent youths.’

Experts in clinical psychology will be among their midst, to address the causes of violent behaviour.

“We’re sending a clear message to young people in custody that violence won’t be tolerated,” said Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos.

“Assaulting staff is unacceptable, and there will be serious consequences.”

The roles announced on Thursday are in addition to 60 new staff expected to start working in Victorian youth justice centres by the end of the year.

The Youth Parole Board will now be notified of any assaults on staff members or other serious incidents within the facilities.

The state government is also considering new legislation to make assaulting youth justice custodial staff an aggravating factor in sentencing.

“Staff should feel safe when they go to work in our youth justice facilities,” Ms Mikakos said.

The announcements come after several incidents of violence at Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, the most recent of which was last month.

Staff numbers were bolstered at both the Malmsbury facility and at Parkville Youth Justice Precinct in Melbourne in September after riots at both facilities. 

Worksafe issued an improvement notice on the Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre about a week before the September riot, following numerous reports from staff about unsafe conditions. 

Forty-one incidents of “occupational violence towards staff” and a further 20 “stress-related” reports were recorded in the month of August. 

The Department of Health and Human Services, which manages the centre, had nine weeks to either make appropriate operational changes or appeal the notice.