20 Jan 2021

Young people escaping from OT homes sign of 'unmet needs'

From Morning Report, 7:47 am on 20 January 2021

The escapes of a hundred young people from Oranga Tamariki-run secure residences in the past five years is being called a sign that their needs are not being met.

The absconding is from the Care and Protection residences which aim to care for young people who are vulnerable and at high-risk but who haven't committed a crime.

Assistant Maori Children's Commissioner, Glenis Philip-Barbara says these homes don't work.