Dear Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children,

Under the Official Information Act 1982, I request the following information about the formal complaints process for young people in Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice residences:

1. What are the step-by-step procedures a young person must follow to make a complaint inside a Youth Justice residence?
2. Who can rangatahi speak to about a complaint (e.g., staff members, advocates, external agencies)? Are there designated complaints officers?
3. Is there a standardised form for complaints? If so, please provide a copy or template.
4. How is the complaints process explained to rangatahi (e.g., pamphlets, posters, verbal explanations)?
3. What support (e.g., cultural, legal, or advocacy services) is available to assist rangatahi in making complaints?
4. How are complaints logged and tracked internally? Are rangatahi given reference numbers or updates? What is the typical timeframe for resolving complaints?
5. What measures exist to prevent retaliation against rangatahi who complain?
6. Are complaints ever referred to external bodies (e.g., Ombudsman, Independent Children’s Monitor)? If so, under what circumstances?
7. Have there been any recent updates (since 2020) to the complaints process? If so, please provide details.

I prefer electronic copies of documents where possible. If any information is withheld, please cite the relevant OIA section.

Yours faithfully,

Emily O'Callaghan