Two staff members at the Puketai Care and Protection Residence in Dunedin are under investigation by Child, Youth and Family.
CYF general manager of operations, Lorraine Williams, confirmed the investigation yesterday after inquiries by the Otago Daily Times.
‘‘While the full facts have yet to be established, we are taking this very seriously and took
immediate action. My primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care.''
Puketai is an eight-bed residence catering for young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who have been placed in the custody of CYF. It is one of seven around the country.
Ms Williams said the conduct of the two employees was being investigated and the action had been taken after issues were raised by staff at the residence.
‘‘I cannot comment any further given this is an employment issue, except we can confirm that in the interim, the staff concerned are not at work.''
Puketai manager Mike Anderson told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he was at home on leave for the school holidays. He would not comment on whether he had been suspended.
Asked about what complaint had been made, Mr Anderson said: ‘‘I'm as in the dark as you.''
Mr Anderson was manager of the Dunedin Prison before the facility was moved to Milburn.
