Welcome

The Confidential Listening and Assistance Service provides a forum for people who allege abuse or neglect, or have concerns about their time in State care in the health, child welfare or special education sector, before 1992.

You might want to talk with us if you lived in:

  • Psychiatric Hospitals and wards
  • Health Camps
  • Child Welfare care
  • Special Education Homes

 

What we do

You can talk to us if you have concerns about abuse, neglect or the way you were treated in State care before 1992. 

Our job is to listen, and where appropriate, to assist you to get further help.

A Panel, Chaired by Judge Carolyn Henwood travels to all major cities and towns in New Zealand to hear people's concerns.  A small team arranges the panel meetings and assistance, and administers the Service.

 

 Background

The Government set up the Service after hearing from people who came to be heard at the Confidential Forum for former Patients of Psychiatric Services.  The government realised there was a need to continue to listen to what people have to say and to advise on help.

 

The Panelists

The Service is headed by Judge Carolyn Henwood, who chairs the panel.

Other panel members have been appointed on the basis of their expertise.  Normally the panel is made up of three people from the following panelists:

 

The Panel  

1 Panel.jpg

From left to right: Paula Daye, Malia Hamani, Dr Barbara Disley, Mike Noonan, Judge Carolyn Henwood,

Robert Newson, Areta Koopu and Dr Ian Hassall (not present Winifred Jackson)

                                         

Meetings with the panel will provide an opportunity for you to talk about past concerns.  After the meeting the Service can also arrange for support and assistance in your life now.

You can bring whanau and support people, however legal representation is not allowed.  If you choose, the meeting can be recorded, and a CD copy provided.

The panel will not criticise, or judge those it hears, and will be receptive and constructive.  When you come to talk to us you will be treated with respect.  The meetings will be comfortable and confidential.

The panel will listen and suggest ways of getting further help for you now.  The panel cannot pay compensation or make any legal findings.

We recognise that it may be difficult for you to talk about your past experiences, and so, where needed, counselling will be available as part of the support offered.

We are happy to explain in detail about what happens at the panel meeting so you can decide if taking part is a good idea for you.  The Service is expected to run for at least five years.

 

Further information

For more information refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page on this site or phone: 0800 356 567  
or  write to us at:
PO Box 5939, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145