October 01, 2018
Borstals past use by date
ANDREW BECROFT INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
The Commissioner for Children is calling for the phased closure of the present care and protection residences as part of a shift away from our current state care system to a kaupapa Māori driven approach.
In his latest State of Care report, Judge Andrew Becroft says the five prison-like residences which take more than 50 children at a time, sets kids up to fail.
He says while there will continue to be a need for secure residences for young offenders, many of the rangatahi held for care and protection don’t need to be under lock and key.
He wants to see a lot of smaller, low key regional community homes run in partnership with iwi, as most of the residents are likely to be Māori.
"No longer can it be a Pakeha model, a European model with Māori add ons. We've got to turn it upside down and basically we are talking about a Māori model with a Māori world view that's operated by and for iwi and Māori organisations. I think that's a great dream that we are capable of reaching in New Zealand," says Children's Commissioner Andrew Becroft.
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