67918 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister for Children

67918 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister for Children: Can the Minister describe the tool of secure care further, used in the military-style academy pilot and referred to in reply 63873 (2024), and explain how this is different to solitary confinement, if at all?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that secure care is a designated area at a residence and is described to mean containment in a residence within a locked room or enclosure with visible physical barriers. I am further advised by Oranga Tamariki that they do not use solitary confinement. Pursuant to Regulation 49, every child or young person placed in secure care shall be permitted to communicate freely at all reasonable times between the hours of 8am and 8pm each day with any other child or young person placed in secure care. There is a dedicated lounge space in secure care units to enable socialisation.