Assault charge for youth offender

One serious violent incident has occurred at the new youth justice facility on the outskirts of Rotorua, with one young person requiring hospital treatment for a cut.
Information supplied to The Daily Post after an Official Information Act request states two youths at Te Maioha o Parekarangi Youth Justice Facility got into a fight last October.
One of the youths required hospital treatment for a cut to the top of his head and the other was arrested and charged with assault.
The residential facility, on State Highway 30, was opened on July 24 last year.
Young people, who are ordered to stay at the facility by the courts, often come from troubled backgrounds.
Ministry of Social Development chief executive Peter Hughes said t hat some of the youths displayed extremely difficult behaviours from a very young age. Many were aggressive towards each other and staff, he said.
"Their offending is often underpinned by a combination of substance abuse, family violence, developmental and behavioural disorders."
He said staff focused on defusing and de-escalating tense situations which arose before they erupted into violence.
"Aggression from young people in facilities is to be expected," Mr Hughes said. "They will often present a considerable risk to themselves and/or others."
However, serious assaults on other residents and staff were not tolerated, he said.
Those who used violence were sent to a secure unit to prevent further harm to themselves or others. In the unit they received staff support aimed at preventing further violent outbursts. "The young person can return from secure care once it is determined that they no longer pose a risk to themselves, staff or other residents," said Mr Hughes.
At the beginning of March this year, there were 19 young people in residence at the facility, which can house up to 20.
A third 10-bed unit is due to start operating next month. Four beds are also available in a flatting situation within the facility for those ready to leave.
All 75 care staff, including 57 youth workers and social workers, spent six weeks on an intensive training programme focusing on understanding the profile of children at risk, behavioural management, managing complex and difficult behaviours and non-violence crisis intervention, Mr Hughes said. Experienced staff from the Lower North Residential and Puketai Care and Protection residences helped assist staff as youth began arriving at the facility.
"Te Maioha staff benefited from the opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced staff in demonstrating safe practice and setting boundaries for young people," he said.