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Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/policy/working-with-tamariki-and-rangatahi-in-residences/
Printed: 06/12/2024
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Last updated: 09/11/2022

Working with tamariki and rangatahi in residences

This policy outlines what we must do while working with tamariki and rangatahi in residences.

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to all tamariki and rangatahi who are living in or going to be living in a residence. This includes tamariki and rangatahi placed in residences on remand.

When this policy doesn’t apply

This policy doesn't apply to tamariki and rangatahi living in a supervised group home or community remand home.

Residential stays of less than 5 days

For residential stays of less than 5 days, the same admission process as above will occur for each tamaiti or rangatahi. We must complete a Risk Summary in youth justice residences or Operational Plan in care and protection residences, detailing the specific strengths and needs of te tamaiti or rangatahi, education, recreational activities and contact with significant others.

Use of electronic media and publications

In some situations, tamariki and rangatahi can have an electronic device, use social media and play music while in the residence. This is written into their operational plan or risk summary.

Use of electronic communication in residences

Undertaking a search of te tamaiti or rangatahi

Before we do a mail search or search te tamaiti or rangatahi, we must have reasonable grounds to believe they are in possession of an unauthorised item.

Searches of tamariki and rangatahi in residences

When te tamaiti or rangatahi has a life threatening injury or dies

In situations when a tamaiti or rangatahi in the residence has a life-threatening injury or dies, residential staff must:

  • assess the situation and in line with their training, attempt to resuscitate te tamaiti or rangatahi until such time as a person with the appropriate medical authority confirms the death
  • immediately call for the Police and an ambulance
  • secure the scene to enable the Police to do an investigation
  • inform the residence manager who will decide who will be advised (in accordance with 'When a tamaiti or rangatahi dies').

When a tamaiti or rangatahi dies