Housing (transitions)
This needs assessment, published in October 2022, provides an overview of the housing needs of young people who are transitioning to independence from statutory care or youth justice placements, with a focus on young people eligible for Oranga Tamariki Transition Support Services.
We know that healthy, secure, culturally appropriate and affordable housing plays a significant role in:
- wellbeing
- supporting improved physical and mental health
- educational attainment
- employment
- social cohesion
- connection.
Young people transitioning to independence often have multiple and high needs, as well as fragmented personal support systems. These challenges can be compounding for some population groups such as Māori, Pacific, disabled people and rainbow communities.
Government’s existing housing services and supports are not meeting the needs of this population group. The adult housing system does not cater to the specific needs of many rangatahi in this cohort. This has contributed to higher rates of homelessness for this population group than the general population and can lead to lifelong housing deprivation.
If you have questions or suggestions about this, or other needs assessments, email our Programme Team: otap@ot.govt.nz
Cross-agency plan for implementation
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kainga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children, and the Ministry of Social Development have agreed a cross-agency plan for implementing actions that would support prioritising housing services for young people transitioning to independence from care and youth justice placements.
The cross-agency plan for implementation identifies 5 priority areas:
- supporting rangatahi Māori to return to whānau, hapū or iwi
- supported accommodation
- young parent homes
- emergency housing
- Transition Support Services Entitlement to remain with or return to a caregiver (ETRR) provision.
Published: April 19, 2024