CLAIMS that children have been “tortured” at Western Australia’s juvenile detention centre by being kept in solitary confinement for prolonged periods have been rejected by the union representing staff.

Amnesty International claims detainees at Banksia Hill Detention Centre have also been strip-searched, fed through a grill and constantly handcuffed when they are outside their cells.

One youth told Amnesty International Australia he “felt like a dog” while detained at the centre, with his mother raising concerns the teen wasn’t being rehabilitated and was instead contained like an animal.

“These are very serious allegations, which if confirmed would put the practices at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre in clear breach of international law and standards, and may amount to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” Amnesty International’s indigenous rights manager Tammy Solonec said.

“What I was told at Banksia Hill by these two young people was deeply disturbing.

“Being held for weeks on end in a cell as small as a car parking space, with as little as 10 minutes out of the cell each day. When they did leave the cell, being handcuffed. Sometimes being denied access to basic services like a shower. Being fed through a grill in the door.

“And despite the serious mental harm of this type of isolation, limited access to a psychologist.”

But CPSU/CSA branch secretary Toni Walkington says staff only want what is best for the children detained at Banksia Hill and always show the utmost respect, adding the intensive support unit set up following riots at the centre had provided stability for the past eight months.

“The centre is functioning at its best capacity in months, it is under constant scrutiny and assessment from the Inspector of Custodial Services,” she said.

“There have been no serious assaults, incidents or need for special operations group intervention at the centre (since then).”

Indigenous rights manager Tammy Solonec said two teenagers were separated from other children for about 250 days following a riot in May.

“Sadly these allegations of severe mistreatment are just the latest in an avalanche of horrors spilling out from Banksia in the past six months alone,” Ms Solonec said.

“The situation at Banksia Hill is yet another example of why Prime Minister Turnbull must lead the country to overhaul the current system in favour of a national approach supporting and strengthening children, families and communities.”

Corrective Services Commissioner Tony Hassell said safety was paramount and there would be an examination of the allegations.

Last year, the chief inspector revealed unprecedented levels of self-harm and other problems at the centre, recommending the state government consider repurposing the facility and opening smaller ones.