Reports released under freedom of information show small numbers of detainees at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre and few major problems or complaints.

The exception was in May 2016 when the official visitors reported an incident involving three residents and staff.

"The visitors are concerned regarding the length of time that one resident was in segregation as well as the timeframe for there to be some resolution of the issue," they wrote.

The Community Services Directorate declined to give details, citing privacy issues.

"As is standard practice in these matters, the incident was referred to ACT Policing, the official visitor and the public advocate," the directorate said in a statement.

"The safety of the young people and the staff members at Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is the main priority.

"The Community Services Directorate has acted swiftly in this matter to ensure safety of all young people in the centre in response to this incident."

Bimberi holds young people aged 10-21 who are remanded in custody or sentenced to detention. The number of youths detained in 2016 generally ranged from six to 10.

Official visitors are appointed to safeguard standards of treatment and advocate for the rights of detainees.

The official visitors in September 2016 were Narelle Hargreaves, Tracey Whetnall and Bill Bashford.

Their reports paint a picture of life inside the centre off Federal Highway near Canberra Paceway.

In March 2016 several of the juveniles complained about the chef and his alleged unhygienic practices. They alleged seeing him licking his fingers before touching food and leaving hair.

Management responded the claims were unsubstantiated; the chef washed his hands and wore gloves.

"I think the residents may have a vendetta out for him, as he has been saying 'no' to the young people's requests for extra food and they have been abusive towards him," the document reveals.

"I have investigated the claims via CCTV and found no evidence."

One resident complained about being separated from the general population.

Management responded the boy declined to take responsibility for inflicting harm on another person and "the centre needs to consider the safety of his victim".

A December 2015 report notes "the staff at Bimberi interact with the young people in a positive manner".

In her September 2015 report, Mrs Hargreaves noted the centre was operating in a constructive manner.

"On each visit to Bimberi I observe the staff interacting with the young people in the gym, football on the oval, playing card games and chess," she wrote.

"My visits each fortnight generally coincide with the school sessions and a range of activities can be accessed by the residents.

"The wide range of learning needs of the young people appear to be catered for through active participation."

In one report to the Minister, Ms Whetnall wrote that she was "impressed by the great work that is done by all of the Bimberi staff".

"I have more concerns however about when the young people are released and not receiving the same levels of support that they get from Bimberi," she wrote.

"More needs to be done in this area or these young people will continue to return to Bimberi."

In June 2015 the official visitor received complaints about heating in the cabins at night and disciplinary action by staff. These matters were raised with management to the visitor's satisfaction.

In another instance, residents complained the grouting in their showers was black and needed to be scrubbed.

Management's response was that young people were required to clean their room and amenities every Saturday with equipment provided.

Other examples of complaints raised by young people:

"Any sausages that may be left over from the barbecue are frozen and used for pizza toppers," they responded.