Oranga Tamariki was warned about restraints at a Christchurch care and protection residence months before it was finally closed.
The concerns are highlighted in a December 2020 report by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner into Te Oranga Care and Protection Residence.
It said children and young people were still being hurt during restraints.
A quote from one young person described them as “triggering for some people”.
While staff were making progress in reducing the number of incidents where force was used, young people were still reporting injuries.
Assistant Māori Children’s Commissioner Glenis Philip-Barbara said the residences held people with complex needs.
They’ve often come from a background that’s incredibly complicated, and often traumatic.
A young person who ends up in a care and protection residence has no other option for placement.