Several operational managers were also assigned to the unit. Health care, psychological and chaplaincy services were originally provided through resources already at the detention centre. A psychologist, a recreational officer, a chaplain and two teachers were later added to the unit. In adult correctional facilities, there is often a clear separation between security and programming staff. This is not the case in young offenders' units.
All staff play an integral role in the care, supervision and treatment of each young offender.
Accommodating young offenders Over the years, the Ottawa-Carleton Young Offenders' Unit has been transformed into a secure and structured setting. There is a high turnover, with an average length of stay being approximately one month. Most of the unit's young offenders are awaiting a bail, trial, sentencing, transfer or review hearing. Another feature of the unit that differs from adult corrections is the internal security classification system. They eat together, participate in programs together and spend idle time in the same day room.