New group home turns lives around

Today people from across the Mangere community came together to mark the opening of Child, Youth and Family's first supervised group home for Auckland. 

It is one of twelve being introduced across the country between now and the end of the year.

These homes have been developed specifically for young people at risk of going off track if they don't learn ways to constructively deal with their experiences, and get their behaviours in check. 

With round the clock supervision and guidance, each young person will have a plan designed just for them, to make sure they get the skills and tools they need to get the most out of life.

Each day has structure and purpose, so the young people know what's expected of them, and the behaviour change programme and group work helps build social and relationship skills.  They are also linked into things that make a real difference, like work, and being a part of the community. 

The homes are for young people between the age of 12 and 17.  With the community and people who care about young people standing right behind them, they offer a real chance for at risk youngsters to get their life on the right track.