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Review of Practice for Sexual Exploitation of Vulnerable Adolescents in Auckland

03 December 2015.

The Minister for Social Development has released the Chief Social Worker’s Review of Practice for Sexual Exploitation of Vulnerable Adolescents in Auckland, the findings of a review into the involvement of Child, Youth and Family with the young people involved in ‘Operation Clover’.

A redacted version of the practice review findings has been made available to the public. The redactions are made to protect the identities and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the vulnerable young people involved.

There have been exceptional circumstances that have led to the decision to release the report, which include the heightened and long-term public interest in what is more widely known as “Roastbusters”, findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority into Police’s handling of the alleged offending, and the victimisation of multiple young women using social media.

The Chief Social Worker’s Review looked at Child, Youth and Family’s involvement in the related investigation and considered this in the context of interagency practices and process.

Key work already underway includes strengthening the Child Protection Protocol between Police and Child, Youth and Family, and stronger guidelines for agencies involved in Mass Allegation Investigations.

The findings have also been referred to the Modernising Child, Youth and Family Expert Advisory Panel for further consideration.