Youth justice residences

There are many reasons that determine why a rangatahi or young person might go to a youth justice residence, and how long they might stay. They may have been:

• arrested and put in our care until they go to Youth Court
• remanded by the Youth Court and need to stay at a residence until the case is settled (this can take up to three weeks or longer if the charges are denied)
• sentenced by the Youth Court for three to six months – if things go well for them in the residence, they may be able to leave earlier and undertake six to twelve months supervision in the community 
• sentenced to prison – they could be admitted to a residence for some of this time.

The young person or rangatahi has their own room and shares living spaces with others.

We provide their meals, clothing and education, as well as access to a gym and open areas for sports and outdoor activities.

The young person gets to:

• have any social, health and school needs met
• learn life skills like managing their money
• learn practical skills like woodwork, art, music and computer skills
• learn how to apply for a job
• manage problems like anger or drugs and alcohol.

We also work with the rangatahi or young person, their family or whānau and social worker to make a plan for when they leave the residence. This could include further schooling, a training course or looking for work.

While not always possible, we try to make sure the young person is kept close to their family and whānau.

There are 5 youth justice residences in New Zealand:

• Korowai Manaaki in South Auckland can have up to 40 young people
• Whakatakapokai in South Auckland can have up to 15 young people
• Te Maioha o Parekarangi in Rotorua can have up to 30 young people
• Te Au rere a te Tonga in Palmerston North can have up to 30 young people
• Te Puna Wai ō Tuhinapo in Christchurch can have up to 40 young people.