Holding kids in motels ‘isn’t ideal’

Motels are not the ideal place to hold children accused of criminal offending, Oranga Tamariki admits, but sometimes there is no other option.

In some situations the children have to be housed in a motel with one of the ministry’s 133 part-time minders employed on short-term contracts at $20.65 an hour.

The practice was brought to public attention after a 12-yearold boy evaded his minder’s care last month and was later found roaming the streets of Hastings with a large hunting knife.

The boy had been on bail and was in Oranga Tamariki care after appearing in the Youth Court for aggravated robbery.

When Judge Peter Callinicos discovered Oranga Tamariki had put the boy in a motel with a minder who had no power to restrain him, he said the practice was ‘‘going to lead to a tragedy’’.

The boy has since admitted his offending in court and has been placed in a youth facility.

Information provided by Oranga Tamariki to Stuff under the Official Information Act reveals that in emergency situations or when an alternative placement is not available, children can be placed in temporary accommodation such as a motel.

This only occurs ‘‘in extraordinary circumstances, and as a temporary measure’’, Oranga Tamariki general manager of public, ministerial and executive services Steve Groom said.

‘‘While we acknowledge this isn’t ideal, for some children a ❚ ❚ ❚ ❚ motel is the safest temporary placement while we find them a more permanent arrangement.’’

Groom said the organisation was ‘‘working hard to reduce the need for temporary accommodation’’, with additional funding going towards improving the availability of placements.

Placing a child in a motel involves a social worker and supervisor, and requires a manager’s approval. If the child is not being cared for by a family member or caregiver, they will have a minder – officially known as a ‘‘resource worker’’.

Criminal responsibility begins at age 10. For serious offences, those aged 10 to 13 years can be dealt with in the youth justice system. Youth Court judges can order the detention of a young person in Oranga Tamariki custody if the judge believes they are likely to abscond, commit further offences, or if it is necessary to prevent the loss or destruction of evidence or interference with witnesses. There are four youth justice residences around the country.