Claire Achmad: Chief Children's Commissioner on the funding to upskill staff in youth care homes

A watchful eye is on the $41 million allocated to upskill staff working in youth care homes. 

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has announced the boost, which aims to improve support to kids in care. 

It follows a review of Oranga Tamariki in 2023 that found parts of the workforce relatively unskilled. 

Chief Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad told Mike Hosking she'll be watching how the money's used to ensure good outcomes for young people. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Much more money for Orangatamariki and the development of professionalism
of Star Forty one million dollars going for what they
call long standing gaps, which are training and qualifications. Doctor
clear upmode as the Chief Children's Commissioner, of course, and
as what is clear good morning to you, good morning.
Do we run the risk of running into the money trap,
which is just make an announcement. There's a number, everyone thinks,

(00:20):
oh huil, and we never sort of follow it up.
Is the money needed? Will it be well spent? Will
things materially improve? Do you think?

Speaker 2 (00:28):
Well? I welcome this investment because it is about the
safety and care of children and young people in our
ordering and Tamaikey residences. I've consistently been calling for this
since I came into my role as Chief Children's Commissioner,
so I am pleased that the government has listened and
take connection in this way. You are absolutely right, though

(00:49):
I will be continuing to watch very closely to make
sure that this actually translates into good outcomes for children
and young people in these residences.

Speaker 1 (01:00):
Could most people see the gaps if they were looking
in Is that part of the ongoing problem? In other words,
there's a lack of professionalism. There have plenty of good
meaning but lack of professionalism hence the lack of traction.

Speaker 2 (01:12):
Well, my team they go into these places regularly to
monitor them under the optional Protocol to a GA Mention
against torture, and our focus there is looking at what
is the treatment and conditions of these children and young
people in these places where they are deprived of their
liberty and we do that to prevent harm from happening.
And unfortunately, in many instances we have found that the

(01:35):
care and treatment of these children and young people it
hasn't been to the standard that we want to see.
There has been safety and harm issues and so building
this workforce and actually making sure they're equipped with the
professional skills that they need to do this really important
work but which is often complex, is really really important.

Speaker 1 (01:57):
Goodronie Claire and us to talk to you again, doctor
Clai Agmot, who's the Cheap Children's Commissioner.

Speaker 2 (02:01):
For more from the Mic Asking Breakfast, listen live to
News Talks at b from six am weekdays, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio