Five youth justice facility staff members and three young people were injured after a fight at a facility in Christchurch broke out last night.
In a statement this afternoon, Minister for Children Karen Chhour condemned the incident — which took place at the Muriwai Unit at Te Puna Wai Youth Justice Residence in Christchurch.
“Five young people have been identified as instigating the fight and five staff members and three young people have suffered injuries,” Chhour said.
“I have requested advice on what current procedures are in place for incidents like this and what more can be done to ensure serious young offenders are held to account for their actions.”
She said that “no staff member should go to work and feel unsafe”.
“My thoughts go out to victims and their families who have been affected by this assault.”
She went on to slam the previous government, saying that under Labour “offenders assaulted staff and broke out of facilities and fast food was given to bribe them to stop”.
“If people within youth justice facilities cause trouble they should expect to see real consequences for their actions.”
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