29 May 2023

Life in mental care system said to fail vulnerable rangatahi

From Morning Report, 7:50 am on 29 May 2023
A young person with short hair looks into the sunset.

Photo: Unsplash / Traveler Geek

A teenager, who has spent his entire life in care, says the system is failing the mental health needs of vulnerable rangatahi.

A recent Mental Health Wellbeing Commission report found a quarter of 12 to 17-year-olds in need of mental health care are being admitted to adult inpatient services due to lack of age appropriate units around the country.

Advocates are calling for an urgent response to what is being called a youth mental health crisis.

Our reporter Rayssa Almeida's story includes material listeners may find upsetting.