Today I visited a place called the Lighthouse in Hillsborough which is funded by CYFS. The Lighthouse provides temporary support for disadvantaged young males aged 14-17 who have been picked up by Police. There is also a similar facility for young girls in Pakuranga. They have been picked up because they have been involved in some form of criminal activity.

What struck me about today was the absolute commitment and love that the staff and people involved have towards these young kids. It is a place where these kids go while Government Agencies and this organisation try to sort out a family situation that the kids can go back to, or to find them another home.

Meeting some of the kids, I was surprised at how they did not fit the stereotype of young offenders. They were physically much smaller than they should be for their age. Talking to staff, they advised me that this is actually pretty common because it is often the result of years of undernourishment. In fact – one of the staff members said that they have had less of everything – affection, nurture, food, and love. I enjoyed meeting the boys, we chatted about cricket, crosswords, and how bad I was at cooking.

What was also clear from chatting to the staff is that many of the kids have been abused – physically, sexually, and emotionally. The other point that was made to me was that many of these kids have been surviving on the streets for a while.

My thoughts are with those kids and the incredibly dedicated staff at the Lighthouse that provide them love and support.