44077 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

44077 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What, if any, work has been done in Oranga Tamariki's Korowai Manaaki youth justice facility since February to rectify issues raised in recent reports?

Hon Karen Chhour: Following the release in September 2023 of the Independent, External Rapid Review of Oranga Tamariki Secure Residences and a Sample of Community Homes (the Rapid Review), which was commissioned by Mike Bush, a Residences and Homes work programme was developed and is being implemented. This plan addresses the areas outlined in the Rapid Review and which were identified as requiring attention. The work programme has resulted in improvements delivered to support business-as-usual operations and lift the safety and security of residences, including Korowai Manaaki and Whakatakapokai, and the ongoing delivery of the work programme will address the issues raised in recent reports. This work is led by the Deputy Chief Executive, Youth Justice Services and Residential Care and includes: a focus on recruiting the best people for residential work through establishment of a targeted recruitment campaign, this has improved the quality of applicants for roles in the residences. • improved vetting, screening, and more robust onboarding of new staff has meant an improvement in the calibre of staff employed. • ensuring new staff receive a comprehensive six-week training, induction and ‘ready for work’ assessment. • strengthening and maintaining infrastructure including target hardening rooftop access points, and installing reinforced window frames and more secure ceiling fittings in Korowai Manaaki. • commencing the delivery of additional training for key roles, including Team Leaders in all residences. • progressing development and implementation of an operating model through the organisational change process which is underway in Oranga Tamariki. • introducing 81 Standard Operating Procedures to ensure clarity and consistency regarding residential operations, and face-to-face training on the top 20 critical risk areas. • implementing improved Radio Telephones to support safe management of the residences. The work programme includes nine focus areas which incorporate 40 key actions. Of the 40 key action areas, seven are completed, 20 are underway, 12 are pending/paused and one is deferred. Those that are pending/paused are either linked to decisions yet to be announced as part of the organisation’s change process or are subject to potential future business cases to secure funding. In addition, a new Residential Service Manager has been appointed and has commenced at Korowai Manaaki. These changes, complemented by a strong focus led by the Deputy Chief Executive Youth Justice Services and Residential Care on safety, culture, and leadership in residences, are supporting us to improve and respond to the Rapid Review.