NZ Records First-Ever Drop in Harm Within State Care Residences: 14% Decline

“This is the first time we’ve seen a reduction of this kind in harm across Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences,” Minister Chhour said.

In a historic milestone for New Zealand’s care and protection system, Minister for Children Karen Chhour has announced the first recorded reduction in harm within state care residences. This marks a significant turning point in the country’s efforts to address the safety of vulnerable children and youth under the care of Oranga Tamariki.

A National First in Youth and Care Residence Safety

“This is the first time we’ve seen a reduction of this kind in harm across Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences,” Minister Chhour said. According to the latest data, harm incidents have decreased by 14% since 2024. The Minister called this achievement a reflection of the Government’s "focus and hard work" to create safer environments for young people in state care.

The announcement comes after years of mounting concern and criticism surrounding the safety and oversight of Oranga Tamariki-run residences, especially in light of the testimonies heard during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care. The Commission highlighted systemic failures and harrowing abuse suffered by children in care over decades.

Reforms Driving Safer Residences

Minister Chhour made it clear that improving safety in residential care was one of her top priorities upon taking office. In response, Oranga Tamariki initiated a comprehensive reform programme aimed at culture change, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades across its facilities.

Key changes include:

• Enhanced Training Programmes: Frontline leadership training has been introduced across all secure residences, equipping teams with the tools and expertise to recognize and reduce risks of harm. A renewed emphasis on proactive behavior management and trauma-informed care practices has become central to staff training.

• Improved Staff Induction: New staff entering youth justice residences now undergo strengthened induction programmes with a focus on safety, child-centered care, and situational awareness. This ensures that frontline workers are well-prepared from the outset.

• Strengthened Recruitment and Leadership: Efforts have been made to recruit staff who are not only qualified but also aligned with the agency’s vision of safer, compassionate care. Leadership roles have been refined to encourage greater accountability and responsiveness to incidents.

• Safety-Focused Facility Improvements: Investments have also been made in improving the physical environment within residences. One of the more practical safety measures includes the introduction of see-through bags, allowing staff to identify contents at a glance and prevent potentially harmful or unauthorized items from being brought into the facilities—whether intentionally or unintentionally.

A Response Rooted in Survivors’ Voices

Minister Chhour highlighted that much of the drive behind these reforms was inspired by the Royal Commission and particularly the courageous testimonies of survivors. “We have listened,” she said, noting that survivors' calls to action played a pivotal role in shaping the system’s renewed focus on child welfare and accountability.

“When children and young people have experienced harm in a residence, there is planning for immediate safety, a medical response is provided when needed, and the Police are involved when required,” she added, underscoring that response protocols have been significantly sharpened to ensure timely action and justice.

A Refocused Child Welfare System

The Minister emphasized that the system has now been realigned to focus squarely on child safety and wellbeing, both in community settings and secure residences.

“We have refocused the children’s system on what matters – the safety and wellbeing of children – and the results are clear,” she stated, affirming the Government’s commitment to maintaining and building on this progress.

While the 14% reduction in harm is a major achievement, Minister Chhour and Oranga Tamariki acknowledge that any instance of harm is still one too many. The ongoing reform journey will continue, guided by data, transparency, and the voices of children and young people in care.

The Government’s broader strategy includes a continued focus on partnership with iwi and community groups, improved oversight mechanisms, and investment in alternatives to secure care where appropriate.

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As New Zealand grapples with the legacy of institutional abuse, this milestone signals a meaningful step forward—both in acknowledging past failures and actively working to prevent their repetition.