Staff Fear Tragedy at Youth Justice Residences | Christchurch News

Staff at youth justice residences are sounding the alarm over escalating violence, with official records showing 57 assaults and 32 attempted assaults at Te Puna Wai in just one year — a number union leaders believe is far from the truth. They warn that without serious consequences for violent youth, stronger staffing ratios, mandatory permanent roles, and direct senior management involvement, tragedy may be inevitable. With staff often stretched thin — sometimes supervising ten young people with only three adults — and relying on exhausted casual workers, the risk to staff safety is growing. The union demands immediate action: more staff, legal protections for workers, and a firm policy that ensures every assault results in police charges — with Oranga Tamariki footing the legal bill. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/33a5baa0c2b920e3