New Zealand’s first youth forensic unit officially opened

21 April 2015

New Zealand’s first youth forensic unit officially opened today

Capital & Coast District Health Board today opened New Zealand’s first forensic inpatient mental health secure service (Nga Taiohi – Our Youth) for young people.

CCDHB Chair Dr Virginia Hope said this is a dedicated secure facility providing services for up to 10 clients, who have offended and have complex mental health (alcohol or drug) issues.

“This is an innovative service that will contribute to the Government’s goal of improving the outcomes for vulnerable young people in this country through intensive interventions.”

The name for the new service was gifted by Ngati Toa. Prior to the official opening the facility was blessed by Kaumatua Taku Parai from Ngati Toa.

“The unit is for people between the ages 13 and 18 and is a national service that will take the most in need clients from around the country.

“Nga Taiohi will provide specialist services focussed on treatment and rehabilitation for young people. We are extremely proud to open this service,” Dr Hope said.

The construction cost of $15.3 million is jointly funded by the Ministry of Health and CCDHB. The first sod was turned in 2014 by Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

General Manager of Mental Health, Addictions, and Intellectual Disability Services 3 DHB, Nigel Fairley, said, it’s really important that these young people are able to access the right service. This unit will provide a safe environment with onsite 24 hour a day care from a specialist multi-disciplinary team.

“There will be an emphasis on Maori cultural therapeutic practices to meet the intention of a bicultural service. There is also a strong educational component integrated into the service programme.”

He said he believed this unit has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of these young people.

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