39598 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

39598 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: How, if at all, will mentors be supported to work consistently with participants throughout both the residential and community components of the pilot military-style academy if they do not reside in the location where the residential component is being run?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that mentors appointed through a procurement process to take part in the pilot will be based in the home/community location (or nearby) of each young person, which is where they will return after the residential stage of the pilot. During the residential part of the pilot, the mentor will visit the young person on a regular basis to build trust and provide support. They will also engage with the whānau to address immediate needs and support both the young person and whānau in preparation for a return to their community. If required to stay overnight during the residential stage, mentors will be accommodated in the Palmerston North/Manawatū area.