'FAILED' BY THE SYSTEM

“2009: The boy, aged 8, moves with his sister from their mother’s care in Auckland to their Christchurch-based father, who they barely know. “2010: The siblings are placed in the de Schots’ care for the first time, due to their father’s addiction issues. They live with the de Schots for two-and-a-half years. “2012-13: The father regains custody of the children, despite continuing addiction issues. “March 2016: In an informal arrangement the children return to the de Schots, who notice concerning changes in the boy, including sexualised behaviour and self harming. His gums are black from excessive tooth brushing. “May to November, 2016: Family group conferences held, safety and transition plans made for the boy. In November, his sister goes to live with the de Schots’ daughter. “December 2016: The teenager is admitted to the CAF unit for the first time after damaging property during a home visit in Auckland. “January 2017: He is discharged from the unit and home to the de Schot family. Later he is taken to Christchurch disability care facility Brackenridge, but unable to deal with sudden changes. “March 2017: The boy is again placed in the CAF unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, this time for about two months, after causing damage at a disability residence. He is locked in a room and given several medications. “April 2017: Government agencies say they have a home for the boy. He remains at PMH. “July 2017: An overnight stay at Brackenridge is cancelled after the boy attacks another resident. He returns to the de Schots’ home. Two other stays had already been cancelled for similar reasons. “August 2017: The boy returns to Brackenridge and ‘‘a few little issues’’ ensue. The de Schots visit regularly to help his transition. “September 2017: He has a ‘‘meltdown’’ and smashes a window at the facility. The de Schots continue support. They take the boy on a weekend family trip to Kaikoura without incident. Brackenridge finally ‘‘starting to get it’’.