The Government has launched a new three-year strategy for Oberstown Children's Detention Campus.

It sets out the course for youth detention until 2020 with five priority areas:

• Providing the best possible care for young people
  Developing the Oberstown team and organisation
  Implementing policies, procedures and standards consistent with the best model of detention for young people
  Enhanced communications aligned to Oberstown values and mission
  Delivering robust governance at all levels and driving effective accountability

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone welcomed the publication of the Oberstown Strategic Plan.

She said the plan will "be further complemented by the implementation of the recommendations which have been made in the various review reports".

Minister Zappone thanked the chair, Professor Ursula Kilkelly, the members of the board of management and the staff of Oberstown for their "work and commitment to improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people" in our community.

A unique appraoch of the strategy will be a new Campus Council, and improved structures to ensure that the views of young people are taken into account at all levels.

"These structures will provide a safe space where young people can actively express their views on issues that affect them, giving them the chance to influence and hear back from key decision-makers in areas of importance, chosen by them", a statement says.

Professor Ursula Kilkelly said: "Oberstown provides safe, secure care and education to young people and is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of young people in all aspects of the campus.

"We are optimistic that this strategy will take us further in ensuring the full implementation of all aspects of a rights-respecting campus in line with international standards."

This June marked one year since the single campus was established, bringing together three children detention schools: Trinity House, Oberstown Boys' School and Oberstown Girls' School.

It says "significant improvements" have been made on buildings and facilities in the past year - as well as training and supports for staff.