Chief Ombudsman's expectations for people in intellectual disability and community secure services published

The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has published a document setting out his expectations for the conditions and treatment of people in intellectual disability and community secure services where people are unable to leave at will.

Read the expectations document

The OPCAT Expectations – intellectual disability and community secure services sets out his six overarching expectations, these are:

• The rights of tāngata whaikaha are upheld by people, principles, and practices at all levels.
• Tāngata whaikaha are safe and their independence is promoted.
• Tāngata whaikaha are treated with dignity and respect.
• Tāngata whaikaha enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
• Tāngata whaikaha are in an environment that promotes their safety, independence, culture, dignity, and wellbeing.
• Tāngata whaikaha are supported by skilled, motivated, and engaged people.

These expectations intend to provide tāngata whaikaha, their whānau, any person or agency involved with intellectual disability and community secure services, Parliament and the public with an understanding of some of the matters that Mr Boshier considers when examining intellectual disability and community secure services. They will also guide his staff when they are carrying out visits and inspections as part of his monitoring programme.

Note: This is the first version of the Ombudsman’s OPCAT- Expectations – intellectual disability and community secure services and will be updated over time. Mr Boshier welcomes feedback on this document, understanding that best practice is continually evolving.