44831 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

44831 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What disciplinary methods, if any, will be used in the pilot military-style academy and what guidelines regulate this?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised that Oranga Tamariki use a behavioural management approach in the Youth Justice Residences. A contingency approach (a ‘points and levels' behavioural system) is used with all young people in youth justice residences to help shape desired behaviour. The points and levels system emphasises recognition of and attention to pro-social behaviours. The system incorporates a ‘response cost' component designed to help the young people understand the negative consequences and disadvantages of reliance on inappropriate behaviours. In tandem with this, there is a focus on teaching young people the appropriate behaviours to use in place of the inappropriate behaviours. The points system incorporates the use of ‘levels' to support progress of the young person in learning and maintaining the behaviours and skills they will need for a successful and sustainable transition from the residence. As young people are able to consistently demonstrate pro-social behaviours, they will be recognised by graduating through the level incentive system. Any instance of behaviour that is not of an acceptable standard will be addressed immediately. Concerns regarding behaviour, attitude, or engagement will be openly discussed and addressed with the young people, supporting them to take responsibility for the actions and assist them to learn how they could do things differently, problem solve and practice skills. To support best outcomes for the young people in residential care, staff are bound and regulated by the Oranga Tamariki Code of Conduct.