46912 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

46912 (2025). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: Further to 44077 (2024), what are the improved vetting, screening, and more robust onboarding of new staff processes at the Oranga Tamariki secure residences and are they in place at all secure residences; if not, why?

Hon Karen Chhour: The work programme referred to was closed in April 2025 at the end of its lifespan. In 2025, Oranga Tamariki has made targeted improvements to strengthen staff vetting, screening, and onboarding processes across its secure residences. A redesigned Youth Worker recruitment process, incorporating multiple assessment methods, has been piloted at one residence. The pilot is currently under review, with a view to national implementation to ensure consistency. Recruitment functions have increasingly transitioned to the national team, enabling more robust early-stage screening of candidates, including assessment of motivation, eligibility, and suitability. Vetting processes continue to be enhanced. An Independent Panel supports consistent and compliant decision-making, and an updated Background Checking Policy and Standard Operating Procedure are scheduled for rollout by the end of the year. The Te Waharoa induction programme has also been strengthened, offering a more comprehensive onboarding experience through a blend of classroom-based and experiential learning. These initiatives reflect Oranga Tamariki’s commitment to ensuring safe, high-quality staffing across all secure residences.