Report on the practices and procedures, in respect of the responsibilities of the Director-General of Social Welfare, for the care and control of children and young persons in Auckland DSW institutions in light of a Human Rights Commission report on allegations of breaches of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 in these institutions: Bollard Girls’ Home, Allendale Road Girls’ Home, Owairaka Boys’ Home, Wesleydale Boys’ Home, Cornwall Park Reception Centre, and Weymouth Girls’ School. Advises on the extent to which any practices and procedures in these institutions fall short of desirable standards and makes recommendations to improve them. Explores the question of what the philosophy and function of these homes should be. Recommended: urgent attention be given to the question of remand as a whole, to be discussed across DSW, Maori Affairs, Justice, and the Police in order to provide a better and more professionally defined system; remand facilities be recognised as a particular and separate requirement that functions outside of residential institutions, decreasing the use of secure units (especially as admission facilities) and setting criteria for their use; full-time nursing appointments to better provide for health education and counselling; implementing recommendations of the Rolfe/Doolan report on teaching services in residential institutions; addressing pressures on accommodation and staffing in relation to the level of admissions; and a nationally recognised standard or qualification required for child care workers. Supports the extension of schemes focusing on community involvement such the Community Care Unit based at Otahuhu. The Committee was particularly concerned with cultural involvement and expressions and sees a place for ‘more emphasis throughout all institutions for the development of aspects of Maoritanga’ and the shaping of the general policies of the institutions according to Māori and Pacific cultural values through consultation with these communities.