5256 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

5256 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What, if any, feedback from Oranga Tamariki staff has been incorporated into the design of the second Military-Style Academy?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised the evaluation of the Military-Style Academy Pilot considered feedback from Oranga Tamariki staff on all aspects of the programme. I understand the views were reflected in the lessons learnt and the subsequent design of the new Military-Style Academy programme. This feedback included: • Involving social workers early in the selection process for participants. • Providing greater support for social workers with the increased workload intensity. • Initiating the planning and preparation for transition to the community phase earlier in the residential phase. • Continuing consistent therapeutic support in the community. • Providing greater role clarity. • Ensuring the young people have a key ‘anchor activity’ on return to the community (such as education or employment). • Working with families/whānau earlier in the residential phase.