Transforming youth justice: a holistic approach towards consistency, flexibility, and positive impact.

Oranga Tamariki operates several secure residential facilities for Youth Justice and Care or Protection placements. They were considering a variety of additional Youth Justice placement options for children and young people placed in their custody due to the Oranga Tamariki Act changes. They wanted assistance with the alteration of the designation for Whatakapokai, the current Care or Protection residence in Weymouth, to allow it to be re-purposed into a Youth Justice residence.

They also wanted national consistency across their designations and the flexibility to manage placement demand, and advice on how to ensure that the designations across residences were fit for purpose; that each facility could be used for children and young people under Care or Protection, Youth Justice or transition provisions.

Location

National

Project date

2018 - 2023

Initial advice was required in relation to the planning and environmental impacts of a small number of community-based facilities operated by Oranga Tamariki (which also accommodate children and young people). In addition, the client wanted advice on whether designations or resource consents were required to develop and repurpose properties to establish small Youth Justice facilities.

Boffa Miskell planners analysed the designation options for each of the sites in consultation with legal advisors and worked alongside the client to develop a strategy document. We assisted with the development of a stakeholder engagement plan, a strategy for engagement, and associated consultation material. We also provided advice on the preparation of expert reports for each of the sites and appropriate Notices of Requirement or engagement documents where required. 

Working on the alteration of designations for Youth Justice residences and community-based facilities required expertise in urban planning, zoning regulations, and land use management to address the specific needs of Youth Justice and Care or Protection placements. We needed to collaborate with a legal firm to facilitate the necessary designation changes efficiently to achieve the desired outcomes.

Oranga Tamariki considered planning and environmental impacts which allowed Boffa Miskell to incorporate sustainable and environmentally conscious design principles.

The project offered an opportunity for Boffa Miskell to make a meaningful impact in the field of Youth Justice and Care or Protection placements. It allowed us to leverage our expertise, collaborate with legal professionals, and contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable environments for children and young people in need.