Rash of escapes

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 11

Rash of escapes

PA Auckland 1 The rash of escapes from tile Owairaka Boys’ Home confirmed the need for a secure wing, said the Director of Social Welfare in •Auckland (Mr K. Flint). »Since June 8, while the secure wing has been closed for about two weeks for alterations, 17 boys have Absconded. The secure wing has been criticised because of alleged roistreatment and solitary confinement imposed on boys ii it. Mr Flint felt that the criticism had contributed to the abscondings and had disrupted the “usually reasonably contained atmosphere.” “It hasn’t helped us,” he'

said. “Boys come in expecting a distasteful experience. Their attitude becomes a bit tougher and they become a . little less amenable to ordinary control.” Most of the boys who escaped were apparently adi mitted only recently. Mr Flint was not sure how many ; would have been confined to > the secure wing. Their offences would have “run the whole gamut of criminal offences short of murder.” Escapes were not prevalent but there was always, someone ready to walk out. I Apart from the secure wing,! ‘ the home was completely; open and there were not enough staff to ensure a complete watch on the boys.