$41M Workforce Boost to Lift Care Standards in Youth Residences

 The Government has unveiled a significant investment of $41 million to professionalise the residential care workforce responsible for supporting some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable children and young people. Announced by Minister for Children Karen Chhour, the initiative is aimed at enhancing the skills, qualifications, and support available to staff working in Oranga Tamariki’s secure residences.

These facilities provide critical care for young people who are placed in residence for either care and protection reasons or through the youth justice system. Many of these children have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect, and present with complex emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

A Crucial Investment in the “Helpers”

Minister Chhour emphasised that the professionalisation of the residential workforce is not just a policy decision, but a moral obligation to both the young people in care and the staff entrusted with their wellbeing:

“This government is committed to helping these important helpers, improving the supports we provide to children and young people, and addressing long-standing gaps in practice,” she said.

The funding will be directed at several key areas, including:

• Strengthening professional leadership within secure residences.

• Increasing the number of frontline staff with professional qualifications.

• Establishing new clinical and professional roles in each residence.

• Recruiting qualified staff to fill current vacancies.

• Providing bespoke in-house and external training and qualification pathways for existing staff.

Responding to a History of Unmet Needs

A 2023 review of Oranga Tamariki’s secure residences and group homes revealed a troubling disconnect between the complex needs of residents and the capability of parts of the workforce. The findings echoed sentiments expressed in earlier reports, including a 2021 Ministerial Advisory Board review that called for more robust training and professional development for residential staff — a call that, according to Chhour, went unheeded by the previous government.

“The staff are highly committed and passionate, but they weren’t being given the tools they needed to deliver the high standard of care that tamariki and rangatahi deserve,” Chhour noted. “This funding is a significant step towards correcting that imbalance.”

Frontline workers across the country have repeatedly shared with the Minister their desire for greater access to further training and recognised professional qualifications. This feedback was a driving force behind the investment.

Building Safe, Stable, and Therapeutic Environments

Secure residences are intended to be more than just holding places. They are supposed to be therapeutic environments that promote healing, development, and rehabilitation. However, without a properly skilled and supported workforce, these goals are difficult to achieve.

The new funding seeks to ensure that young people receive consistent, high-quality care from staff who are well-trained in trauma-informed practices, mental health support, conflict resolution, and culturally responsive approaches.

“Children and young people in these settings deserve safe, stable, and therapeutic environments, where the staff are not only dedicated and able but have all the skills they need,” Minister Chhour said.

Looking Ahead

This investment is expected to lay the foundation for systemic reform in the way residential care is delivered in New Zealand. By investing in the people who provide care, the government hopes to elevate overall standards, reduce incidents of harm, and improve long-term outcomes for children and young people in care.

Karen Chhour affirmed that this is only the beginning of a broader strategy to restore public trust in Oranga Tamariki and deliver meaningful change for families and frontline workers alike.