Nga Taiohi National Secure Youth Forensic Inpatient Mental Health Service

Nga Taiohi National Secure Youth Forensic Inpatient Mental Health Service is a new, purpose-built, specialist, 10-bed unit for the treatment of Rangatahi (young people) aged 13 to 17 who are severely affected by mental health (or mental health plus alcohol or other drug issues), who have offended or are alleged to have offended, and who are involved in New Zealand’s youth justice system. The unit is located at Kenepuru Community Hospital in Porirua.

Each young person admitted to the unit has a primary and associate nurse assigned to them who works closely with a team that may include medical staff, a psychologist, an alcohol and drug clinician, an occupational therapist, and cultural staff. Admission is usually for up to 6 weeks but can vary depending on need.

The main focus of admission is for assessment and treatment for mental health and/or substance use problems. The unit has a bicultural philosophy and uses the Te Whare Tapa Wha and Meihana models of holistic care. The young people are encouraged to attend school and engage in therapeutic programmes throughout the day.

Staff wear identification badges and you can ask them about their roles. Usually at least 2 meetings are held with the family and whānau of people admitted to the unit; the first within the first fortnight for a progress report and the final meeting to clarify discharge planning. These can be done either in person or via our advanced video conferencing facilities.

Visiting hours are between 3pm and 5pm Monday to Friday or by arrangement at other times. Visits by family or friends are encouraged as maintaining social contracts plays a positive role in a person’s recovery. Certain areas of the ward may have greater restrictions than others; if necessary please discuss this with the nurse.

Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) has a non-smoking policy anywhere on its grounds including the inpatient units. Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking while on the premises. You can read more about this here.

The Mauri-Tu team is the the first point of contact for admissions to Nga Taiohi from the 5 youth forensic community services in New Zealand. The team consists of a representative/key liaison person from each of the 5 services. The young people referred to Nga Taiohi primarily come from youth justice facilities and prisons.

Phone: (04) 978 2992