Child, Youth and Family says the boy concerned was placed with his sister as part of a plan designed by a formal youth justice Family Group Conference, whose participants included family members, police and the boy's lawyer. A representative of the victims was also present. The FGC's decision was ratified by a Youth Court judge.

The placement was judged suitable only after careful consideration of all the circumstances. Assistance was put in place to support the placement. The boy has not been in trouble since being placed with his sister.

"Child, Youth and Family followed proper process before this placement went ahead. Other professionals at the FGC agreed to it," says the department's Wellington area manager Alan Ellis.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and if there are any problems we will respond appropriately," says Mr Ellis.

As for the suggestion that a relative on the East Coast was available to take the boy's 14-year-old brother, Mr Ellis says that the relative's offer was being assessed at the time of the rape the younger brother was involved in.

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