44830 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

44830 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Is solitary confinement allowable in the pilot military-style academy, and if so, under what circumstances and guidelines?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised that Oranga Tamariki does not use solitary confinement in any of its residential settings. However, within each Youth Justice Residence, to enable staff to manage behaviour that could or has resulted in harm towards staff or other young people, staff are able to utilise a secure unit within the facility, for up to 48 hours. The secure units are set up and run the same way as the other general units where young people are closely monitored by a care team and are encouraged to work with staff to regulate their behaviour through therapeutic practice. The secure care unit is a designated part of a Youth Just Residence used as an intensive response when a child or young person presents a risk to themselves or others.