49886 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Children

49886 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister for Children: What is the process for when rangatahi leave the Te Au Rere a te Tonga Youth Residence Facility?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that they have an established process for the possible exit of a young person from the Military-Style Academy pilot programme. The process follows a Whakamana Tangata practice approach that focuses on maintaining an environment that enhances the mana of young people. The voice of the young people is considered throughout the process, which if required, culminates in a hui to discuss the young person exiting the programme. The young person, their whānau, their advocate, their social worker and Military-Style Academy kaimahi attend the hui to agree if programme exit is best for the young person. Following this, if the young person is to exit the Military-Style Academy before the end of the programme and it is agreed that the young person would not stay at Te Au rere a te Tonga, they would then be transferred to another Youth Justice facility.  However, for a young person exiting a residence at the end of a sentence, (aside from the Military-Style Academy Programme), I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that from the first day the young person is in a residence, planning for their transition from residence will be captured in their All About Me plan.  Transition planning will identify the needs of the young person including:  - Care arrangements  - Whānau or family support  - Education and/or vocational options  - Linking into appropriate health services and other identified specialist support services (such as alcohol and drug counselling or anger management support).   Whānau or family, residential staff, the site social worker, health and education providers, significant others, any caregivers and the young person will develop and monitor the objectives of the transition and make sure that planning around transition begins and continues throughout their stay in a residence. Information about the young person is shared appropriately with those involved with the child of young person. Post placement visits are arranged and there is assistance to help get the placement back on track if required.