Vulnerable youths were at risk in a youth justice residence, while other facilities have an institutional feel and "prison-like" secure care, says a report.

Hundreds spend night in cars in support of homeless families.

Mangere Town Centre carpark is packed with people this evening as they prepare to sleep in their cars for an event raising awareness on homelessness.

Mangere Town Centre carpark is packed with people this evening as they prepare to sleep in their cars for an event raising awareness on homelessness.

COMMENT: Heart-breaking stories of families living in cars, garages and overcrowded houses demonstrate that our welfare state is broken, writes Catriona MacLennan.

What makes people get into politics? Imagine being the Minister of Social Housing, and seeing someone who helps the homeless as the enemy.

Foketi Purcell gave her longtime friend Brenda Sekona a car, a thank you for taking her and her family in when two years earlier they had nowhere else to go.

COMMENT: New Zealand's annual refugee intake of 750 was disgracefully low. An intake of 1000 is not much better.

COMMENT: On average around 200 Americans are killed and wounded in mass shootings every month

Warriors star James Gavet has been through a lot in his 27 years, on and off the football field. Now he's using his life experiences to help those in need.

Homeless people sleeping rough pose a visible challenge to all of us. The poor who camp in public places and beg in streets make themselves very visible.

Hallee Sorenson from Maine in the US invited all her friends and classmates for some bowling to celebrate her birthday in July last year but no one came.

New Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly feels he is walking into the middle of a homeless crisis that no NZer would ever have expected.

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the death of assisted dying campaigner Lecretia Seales. Her husband writes about her legacy and life without her.

On June 3, 1941 the first 10 female officers began training to enter the New Zealand Police.

At first, the baby looked as "if it were still alive".

Conservative lobby group blames "family malformation" - including parental breakups - as major culprit.

A drunken brawl that left Melissa Ansin's partner George Siaosi trapped in his own body highlights the battle to create a safe city at night.

Lizzie Marvelly is the musician who has finally found her voice. She talks to Kim Knight about being young, female and opinionated.

A man who spent 18 years in state care says he is "terrified" by the Budget changes to Child, Youth and Family.

Child poverty advocates say the Budget provides no relief for families struggling to cope with high rents and low incomes.

In 1993, New Zealand ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

A young mother whose 2-year-old daughter died a violent death four years ago is now organising a group of residents to feed local families living in cars.

More than 260 people have signed up so far to sleep in their cars on the night of June 16 to show solidarity with homeless families.

"I'm so frustrated," Tony Lepage said. "Our Government is spending $26 million on the flag - $26 million would be swallowed up for the homeless in a week".

Where does time go? And why are some people so hopeless at keeping it? Kim Knight despairs.

COMMENT: It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why the Government isn't making election promises to those in need.

COMMENT: We have launched the very first Bullying Free NZ week and a much awaited resource for our schools and, more importantly, our children.

Nia Glassie and Moko Rangitoheriri were both beaten to death at the age of 3.