Listen to this policy:
Policy
Escorting tamariki and rangatahi
What we must do when we organise and carry out escorted travel for tamariki and rangatahi when it's needed to ensure the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi, other tamariki or rangatahi, escort kaimahi or the public.Practice framework prompts for this policy
Our practice framework helps us make sense of and organise our practice so it is framed in te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), and draws from te ao Māori principles of oranga, within the context of our role in statutory child protection and youth justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngākau whakairo
How will I ensure that the right of te tamaiti or rangatahi to have their mana protected is balanced with the right of others to be safe?
Ngākau whakairo practice framework domain
Whai mātauranga
What knowledge and narratives can I draw on to understand how I can best support te tamaiti or rangatahi before, during and after escorted travel?
Whai mātauranga practice framework domain
Whai oranga
In what ways have I ensured that the escorted travel will be carried out in a way that upholds the collective oranga of all involved?
Whai oranga practice framework domain
Whai pūkenga
What skills will I use to whakamana te tamaiti or rangatahi while they are in a situation where they may feel they have little choice or control?
Whai pūkenga practice framework domain
Whai ākona
What assumptions do I hold about tamariki or rangatahi who require escorting, particularly those who have a history of absconding? How can I ensure I do not let any biases affect the way I work with and treat tamariki and rangatahi when I am planning and/or carrying out an escort?
When this policy applies
Escorted travel (escorting) is required when the environment te tamaiti or rangatahi is in or identified risks mean that escorting is necessary for oranga to be assured during travel.
This policy always applies when tamariki and rangatahi in our care or custody are:
- going to or from a youth justice residence (including from Police custody)
- travelling by air as part of travelling to or from a youth justice residence or a remand home.
This policy also applies when a risk assessment completed for the travel identifies that an escort is necessary when tamariki and rangatahi in our care or custody are going:
- to or from remand homes
- to or from community homes
- from police custody to Oranga Tamariki custody (other than a youth justice residence)
- to or from care and protection residences
- to or from a supervised group home.
When escorts are being arranged and carried out, the driver and vehicle policy and guidelines and the travel policy and guidelines also apply:
Staff resource: Driver and vehicle policy (PDF 557 KB)
Staff resource: Driver and vehicle guidelines (PDF 659 KB)
Staff resource: Travel policy (PDF 202 KB)
Staff resource: Travel guidelines (PDF 467 KB)
When the above criteria do not apply and we are travelling with, or arranging travel on behalf of, tamariki or rangatahi we are working with, the travel policy applies.
Policy: Travel
When this policy does not apply
This policy does not apply when others have assumed responsibility for the travel and the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi – for example, when:
- Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) is responsible for carrying out the escort – for example, when rangatahi are subject to a section 34A Corrections Act status, or when rangatahi are transferring from a youth justice residence to a Corrections facility
- Police are responsible for carrying out the escort – for example, when tamariki or rangatahi are being returned after having absconded
- medical staff (for example, paramedics) are taking tamariki or rangatahi to a hospital (Oranga Tamariki kaimahi may accompany te tamaiti or rangatahi if requested)
- tamariki or rangatahi are leaving a residence to return home or to a place in the community – for example, where it has been arranged that whānau or family will collect them from the residence.
What is escorting
Escorting requires that extra measures are implemented to ensure the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi, escort kaimahi and the public and to mitigate identified risks for travel.
Escorts must be approved by the relevant authorising manager – for example, the team leader, residence manager or site manager, as appropriate.
The following extra measures are required when escorting:
- More than 1 escort kaimahi (including the driver, where relevant) will accompany te tamaiti or rangatahi (unless otherwise agreed for tamariki and rangatahi in care and protection residences or supervised group homes).
- Escort kaimahi will be appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation, including Safety Interventions Foundation Level (formerly known as MAPA, Management of Actual or Potential Aggressions) or Safe Tactical Approach and Response (STAR) for Oranga Tamariki kaimahi, or equivalent training for contractors.
- A risk assessment must be completed, approved and recorded.
- The journey will be planned, and only planned stops will be made except in cases of illness or emergency.
Video conferencing as an alternative to escorted travel
We must work with tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family and youth advocate or lawyer for child (if applicable) to consider how and whether video conferencing is appropriate and beneficial for te tamaiti or rangatahi. We must consider the views of te tamaiti or rangatahi, their preference and their ability to have their voice heard. Video conferencing can be used as an alternative to escorting in order to:
- reduce the number of escorted trips and time tamariki and rangatahi spend travelling – for example, to and from appointments or court appearances
- mitigate risk where te tamaiti or rangatahi appearing in court in-person poses a risk
- avoid unnecessary escorting – for example, for remand hearings or monitoring, particularly where there is unlikely to be a change in their current living arrangement or legal status
- ensure the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi if arrangements to keep te tamaiti or rangatahi away from public court areas cannot be made.
The court holds the right to determine whether audio-visual alternatives will be appropriate for court hearings on a case-by-case basis.
Ensuring the oranga of tamariki and rangatahi
Escorting tamariki or rangatahi may be necessary for the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi, other tamariki or rangatahi, escort kaimahi or the public.
In all instances, we must ensure that te tamaiti or rangatahi is escorted in a manner that upholds and protects their mana and promotes their oranga.
Unless a risk in sharing all information has been identified in the risk assessment, we must uphold the right of te tamaiti or rangatahi and their whānau or family to be fully informed of the proposed escort, including the destination, as soon as practicable, and any views they have taken into account.
Before informing tamariki or rangatahi and their whānau or family about escorting plans, including the destination, consideration must be given as part of the risk assessment to whether providing this information could endanger escort kaimahi, te tamaiti or rangatahi or others. In these circumstances, some or all of the information may be withheld to ensure the oranga of all involved.
Escort ratios and training requirements
Escorts require a minimum of 2 escort kaimahi who are appropriately trained to escort tamariki and rangatahi and in de-escalation (Safety Interventions Foundation Level – formerly known as MAPA, or STAR for Oranga Tamariki kaimahi, or equivalent training for contractors). Wherever possible, at least 1 escort must be the same gender as te tamaiti or rangatahi.
When a youth justice escort involves air travel to or from a youth justice residence or remand home, at least 1 of the escort kaimahi must be authorised to carry handcuffs and be trained in how to appropriately use them.
Escorting of 2 or more tamariki or rangatahi together must only occur if any identified risks can be safely mitigated. Where 2 or more tamariki or rangatahi are being escorted together, the authorising manager or after-hours National Contact Centre supervisor must approve the ratio of tamariki and rangatahi to escort kaimahi. Factors such as the type of vehicle, levels of risk for each tamaiti or rangatahi and the length of time travelling will be considered as part of the risk assessment for the escort.
When Police are assisting with an escort, at least 1 Oranga Tamariki escort kaimahi who meets the training requirements above must accompany te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Authorising managers may approve an escort with only 1 escort kaimahi for tamariki and rangatahi in care and protection residences or supervised group homes, if the risk assessment shows that this is appropriate.
Risk assessment and planning
Careful planning and risk assessment must be completed to promote the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi being escorted, the escort kaimahi and the public. Before the escort, a risk assessment must be completed and recorded on the relevant form.
Considerations when planning an escort
While each situation will be different, a number of factors must be considered when organising an escort, including:
- the purpose of the escort, and whether audio-visual technology is appropriate and could replace the need for the escort
- the age and developmental stage of te tamaiti or rangatahi
- any relevant past offending behaviour
- ensuring the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi before, during and after the escort, including planned stops
- any specific views or preferences of te tamaiti or rangatahi – for example, which escort kaimahi they would be most comfortable with
- any specific factors or needs – for example, whether te tamaiti or rangatahi has a disability or mental health needs, or requires essential medication
- the views of the whānau or family and caregivers, where possible, regarding aspects of the escort – for example, the mode of transport
- any risks or unexpected events that may arise before, during and after the escort
- the environment te tamaiti or rangatahi is being escorted through and to
- the length of the escort, and whether overnight accommodation may be required
- the most appropriate mode of transport for the escort.
Escorting must adhere to any national or regional health regulations in place.
For tamariki or rangatahi with acute health needs (including mental health), kaimahi must first seek the advice of a registered medical professional about whether it is safe for the escort to go ahead. If the escort must take place, kaimahi must follow any advice given by the registered medical professional to ensure the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi is maintained before, during and after the escort.
Authorising manager sign-off
The risk assessment must be recorded on the relevant risk assessment form and approved by the authorising manager before the escort takes place.
The authorising manager must ensure that:
- escort kaimahi are fully informed about te tamaiti or rangatahi, including relevant parts of their All About Me plan and the escorting risk assessment and plan
- escorts are planned according to the needs of te tamaiti or rangatahi and identified risks
- escort kaimahi comply with these procedures, including seeking clarification and approval from the authorising manager when unsure
- a collaborative approach between sites, residences and Police has been considered and implemented where needed – Police and Oranga Tamariki kaimahi should collaborate early to identify which escorting approach is likely to best promote the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi
- a copy of this policy is available in the afterhours kit bag.
Who is responsible for planning and carrying out escorts
Kaimahi employed in residences, remand homes, community homes, supervised group homes and sites who are appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation may be used to plan and carry out an escort. On occasion, contractors with equivalent training may be used.
If te tamaiti or rangatahi is being escorted to or from a residence, residence kaimahi will plan and carry out the escort where kaimahi numbers permit. If residences are unable to resource an escort, site kaimahi appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation (Safety Interventions Foundation Level, formerly known as MAPA) are responsible for planning and carrying out the escort. For tamariki and rangatahi in a supervised group home, remand home or community home, local site kaimahi appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation (Safety Interventions Foundation Level, formerly known as MAPA) are responsible for planning and carrying out the escort. Assistance may be provided by Police, or community or remand home kaimahi where needed.
If the completed risk assessments suggest undue risk to escort kaimahi, site and residential kaimahi must work together with Police to ensure the escort is carried out in a way that promotes the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Where tamariki or rangatahi require an escort from court to a placement (youth justice residence, remand home or community home), it is essential to ensure there is appropriate planning ahead of time to ensure this occurs in a timely way. Tamariki and rangatahi must not remain in Police or court cells because of a lack of availability of escort kaimahi, or other transport issues.
Policy: Working with tamariki and rangatahi in residences – Rangatahi in cells after hours
All escorting options that have been considered must be recorded in a casenote in CYRAS before the escort takes place or at the earliest opportunity.
When tamariki or rangatahi are being escorted after a court appearance, escort kaimahi must follow the decisions made by the court (this means the judge or registrar) and comply with all reasonable requests from court staff.
Choosing escort kaimahi
When choosing escort kaimahi to carry out an escort, we must ensure that kaimahi are not working to the point of tiredness, fatigue or stress that hinders their ability to carry out their escort responsibilities.
Consideration should be given to:
- total hours worked that week
- total hours worked that day
- the expected duration of the escort, including any time spent supervising te tamaiti or rangatahi at the destination
- whether te tamaiti or rangatahi will be escorted both ways, or only to or from a destination
- whether accommodation may be needed to break up the journey.
Consideration must also be given to the most appropriate kaimahi to carry out an escort, including:
- whether kaimahi are appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation, including Safety Interventions Foundation Level (formerly known as MAPA) or STAR for Oranga Tamariki kaimahi, or equivalent training for contractors, handcuff training for escorts by air to or from a youth justice residence or remand home, and appropriate training for use of secure vans
- how many kaimahi are required on the escort.
When planning an escort by road, consideration must also be given to the Oranga Tamariki driver and vehicle policy and:
- how we will ensure escort kaimahi are not driving while tired or fatigued – for example, if escort kaimahi from the destination residence or local site are available to meet halfway to reduce driving time for all kaimahi
- how many licensed drivers are needed on the escort to ensure driving breaks are possible.
Scheduled escorts
Scheduled escorts are those that have been pre-arranged, whether during working hours or after-hours. This may include:
- internal transfers between residences
- transport to and from planned Youth Court hearings
- transport to and from a family group conference
- all planned appointments for te tamaiti or rangatahi
- escorts for section 238(1)(d) remand placements
- custody placements under section 235.
Unscheduled escorts
Unscheduled escorts are those that have not been pre-arranged, whether during work hours or after-hours. This may include:
- emergency or unplanned appointments for te tamaiti or rangatahi
- unexpected court outcomes, such as remand under section 238(1)(d) or custody placements under section 235.
If the relevant risk assessment form cannot be completed before the escort takes place, a risk assessment must still be undertaken and presented verbally to the authorising manager. The escort kaimahi must get the approval of the authorising manager before they leave.
After-hours escorts
After-hours escorts are all escorts that start between 5pm and 8.30am Monday to Friday and during the weekend between 5pm Friday to 8.30am Monday and on public holidays.
If an after-hours escort is unscheduled, the risk assessment must be completed and the escort approved by the National Contact Centre supervisor or youth justice afterhours supervisor as appropriate, who will ensure any relevant information from the Police and CYRAS has been considered.
Site kaimahi appropriately trained to escort and in de-escalation (Safety Interventions Foundation Level, formerly known as MAPA) are responsible for planning and carrying out after-hours escorts.
Escorting by road
Escort kaimahi must ensure that:
- they have access to a fully charged mobile phone and the contact details of who to contact in an emergency
- the vehicle has sufficient fuel for the journey
- the rear car windows are up and disabled
- te tamaiti or rangatahi is seated in the back behind the front passenger seat and the child lock is engaged on the side that te tamaiti or rangatahi is sitting in, if required by the risk assessment
- 1 escort travels in the back seat with te tamaiti or rangatahi.
In the event of an emergency, unless it is considered unsafe, te tamaiti or rangatahi must stay in the vehicle. In emergencies, the escort kaimahi must ensure the oranga (wellbeing, health, safety and security) of te tamaiti or rangatahi and all kaimahi first. The escort kaimahi must contact the authorising manager (or National Contact Centre, if after-hours) as soon as possible and advise them of the emergency. The authorising manager can pass on any critical information to other parties, such as those receiving te tamaiti or rangatahi at the end of the escort, as necessary.
Escort kaimahi must also comply with the non-smoking and vaping environment requirements, car restraint requirements, and the Oranga Tamariki driver and vehicle policy and guidelines and travel policy and guidelines.
Staff resource: Driver and vehicle policy (PDF 557 KB)
Staff resource: Driver and vehicle guidelines (PDF 659 KB)
Staff resource: Travel policy (PDF 202 KB)
Staff resource: Travel guidelines (PDF 467 KB)
Planned stops
As part of the risk assessment, planned stops (if required) must be considered. Escort kaimahi must travel to and from their destination without making any unplanned stops, unless an unplanned stop is required in order to de-escalate a situation that presents a risk or provide care for te tamaiti or rangatahi if they are unwell, for example. Planned stops must be approved and recorded on the risk assessment form. The authorising manager and escort kaimahi must ensure before the start of the escort that:
- appropriate meal arrangements are in place
- drinking water will be available at all times
- regular breaks are scheduled at appropriate locations to prevent driver fatigue, and allow for the use of bathrooms
- te tamaiti or rangatahi will be supervised during all breaks.
Escorting by air
Only if our planning and risk assessment assure us that escorting by air can be carried out do we proceed with air travel.
Air New Zealand requires escort kaimahi and te tamaiti or rangatahi to check in at least 40 minutes before the aircraft’s departure and to identify themselves to the airline staff. At times, Air New Zealand booking staff will require escorts and te tamaiti or rangatahi to check in earlier – escort kaimahi should confirm the required check-in time with Air New Zealand.
Escort kaimahi must follow all directions of the airline staff and minimise any contact between te tamaiti or rangatahi and members of the public.
Escort kaimahi must have the appropriate letter and documentation with them. For escorts where handcuffs are not required, this includes ID and a booking confirmation number. If the escort kaimahi are required to carry handcuffs, this also includes a letter outlining that they are carrying handcuffs and are authorised to carry and use them.
If the airport in question has airport police, escort kaimahi must notify the airport police of the upcoming escort – airport police may want to assist in escorting te tamaiti or rangatahi to the gate for boarding.
While on the plane, any instructions from the crew or pilot must be followed as they are responsible for keeping all passengers safe, including te tamaiti or rangatahi and escort kaimahi.
Escort kaimahi must report any incidents that occur during the escort to their authorising manager as soon as possible after the plane has landed.
Care and protection residence and site managers can give approval for tamariki or rangatahi to be escorted by air with 1 escort kaimahi who is the same gender as te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Use of handcuffs
Air travel for tamariki and rangatahi travelling to or from a youth justice residence or remand home must include at least 1 escort kaimahi carrying handcuffs who has completed Oranga Tamariki handcuff training requirements. Carrying of handcuffs for these tamariki or rangatahi is required by the Air Operator Security Programme Requirements.
Escort kaimahi can only use handcuffs while in the aircraft and only at the direction of the pilot. If handcuffs are used, they can only be removed after the flight with Police supervision, or by further direction from the pilot.
Air Operator Security Programme Requirements | aviation.govt.nz
Air New Zealand has the right to limit the number of escorted tamariki or rangatahi on a flight. Generally, only 1 escorted tamaiti or rangatahi is allowed on smaller regional planes and 2 on larger planes, as required by the Air Operator Security Programme Requirements. This will depend on flight availability and the capacity to seat escort kaimahi and tamariki or rangatahi at the back of the aircraft.