A RECENT INVESTIGATION BY THE LEGACY MEDIA OUTLET THE NZ HERALD HAS UNCOVERED CONCERNING TRENDS WITHIN COMMUNITY REMAND HOMES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
According to documents obtained from Oranga Tamariki, nearly 40 per cent of young offenders placed in these facilities from August 2020 to February 2023 escaped lawful custody, with even higher rates recorded in Auckland at 49 per cent.
In a memo from youth justice managers to Oranga Tamariki’s deputy chief executive service delivery, Rachel Leota, the scale of the issue was starkly outlined, prompting calls for a review of these community homes.
The homes, intended as alternatives to secure youth justice facilities, aim to provide a more ‘supportive environment’ for young offenders, allowing them to maintain connections with their families and communities. However, their effectiveness is being undermined by the high rates of absconding, as offenders can just walk out of the facilities.
While these homes are not prisons, staff face significant challenges in preventing young offenders from leaving. Despite efforts such as regular checks and alarms, escapes remain a persistent issue.
A lack of clear standard operating procedures across different homes further compounds the problem, as highlighted in a review by change and culture consultant Debbie Francis and former police Inspector Paul Vlaanderen. The authors noted inconsistencies in practices and approaches, indicating a need for more evidence-based strategies.
The consequences of these escapes extend beyond the immediate safety concerns, with concerns raised about the potential for reoffending among those who abscond. However, limited data makes it difficult to assess the full extent of this issue.
