Further to 5243 (2026), what progress, if any, has been made recruit into youth justice residences clinically qualified staff with skills in trauma-responsive care under the Budget 2025 Professionalisation of the Residential Care Workforce initiative?

Answer

The Professionalisation of the Residential Workforce initiative, which is funded across four years, is under development. I am advised that Oranga Tamariki is not currently recruiting for clinically qualified staff as part of this initiative. Work is currently underway to design new functions for youth justice residences, where staff with skills in trauma-responsive care will first be funded for recruitment as part of this initiative.