Paula Bennett

Wellington, July 16 NZPA - Twelve group homes around the country will be set up to help troubled young people, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced today when opening such a home in Mangere, South Auckland.

"These homes are for seriously at-risk young people who will benefit hugely from a positive environment where they'll learn how to behave and relate well to people," Ms Bennett said.

The new group homes would be in Northland, South Auckland (two), West Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch (two) and Invercargill.

Each home would cater for up to five young people who would live there for between two and six months.

"Some of these young people have had pretty awful childhoods and this is a concerted effort, utilising specialist staff to turn their lives around before it's too late," Ms Bennett said.

The homes would be supervised day and night and the young people aged 12 to 17, would be in school or training. Work would be done on individual plans for the future and life skills.

"One on one help from trained professionals is vital to making this work," Ms Bennett said.

A behaviour change programme and group work would help build social skills.

"We're determined to help these young people gain life skills and learn to trust and relate to others, so they can join the rest of society and lead healthy, happy lives."

There would also be support for families to build confidence and skills needed for when the young person returned home.

"With strong community support and people who care about them, these young people stand every chance of overcoming their challenges and having a good life," says Ms Bennett.