Neighbours concerned as Youth Justice home to open on Emerald St

Te Kohanga home will provide a safe short stay home for young people who have been remanded by the youth court. Photo/Ben Fraser

Residents of a Rotorua neighbourhood say they're concerned about a new youth home set to open in their street, but the regional Youth Justice manager says safety and security are a priority.

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, says the Emerald St home, Te Kohanga, will provide care for young people who have been remanded by the Youth Court. It will open on September 18.

The Ministry said it would provide a supervised, home-like environment for four or five young people at a time for an expected stay of four weeks.

A direct neighbour to the facility, who chose not to be named, said she was pretty concerned about the home.

The mother of three said she knew from experience what youth going through the system could be like.

"I had to stay at home with my son, who needed constant supervision," she said.

"My concern is just how much supervision they'll have, these are five kids who obviously have problems going on.

"All it takes is for one kid to get angry. How do I leave my baby and my daughter at home and still feel safe."

The Ministry said young people would be screened by professionals prior to admission to the home to ensure the placement was suitable. Screening would include considering any safety issues.

A few of the neighbours said they didn't think what was happening had been well communicated.

"We got a pamphlet in our letterbox and that was it," one said.

Aoraki Kohanga kaiako Oceania Macpherson said they didn't even know about the change but it was concerning.

"I think it comes down to [who is] going to be in charge," she said.

Miss Macpherson said the kohanga was all for offering help to those who needed it.

"Whoever is looking after them just needs to really supervise them," she said.

"They're welcome if they don't bring their crime with them."

Principal of nearby Aorangi Primary School, Debra Harrod, said the school was not okay with having the Te Kohanga home so close by.

"I don't feel like there's anything we can do about it," she said

Ms Harrod said she didn't want youths who might cause damage to the school, buildings and grounds wandering the area.

"We've only known since Thursday last week," she said.

"It was short notice. There was a public meeting [on Monday] night but I was too busy to attend.

"No one's known about this for more than a few days."

Aorangi School was reassured by the Ministry for Vulnerable Children that the youths would have 24/7 supervision.

"These youths have to be somewhere, they need to be close to a community where they can reintegrate," Ms Harrod said.

"I am torn."

The Ministry's Waikato and Bay of Plenty Youth Justice manager Shaun Brown said they weren't trying to hide anything.

"We're trying to create a home for our kids and these kids aren't strangers, they're from our community," he said.

"It's absolutely as secure as we can make it.

"Staffing is pretty much one on one."

Mr Brown said it was in their best interest to make the home work and that safety was an important part of that.

A community meeting held on Monday night saw only three neighbours turn up, which was lower than he expected.

"Those that did come left feeling well informed," he said.

"We are keen to involve the community in this initiative, and extend an open invitation to any neighbours with concerns to drop in and discuss them with staff in the home.

"If you would like to offer any support, such as mentoring the young people, we would love to talk about that, too."

There will be an open day shortly before the home opens so the community can view the property and Mr Brown said he was available to answer any neighbours' concerns on 029 913 3624.

"We are also going to be giving out fridge magnets with our contact details on, so if they ever have concerns they know who to call."