High and Complex Framework Strategy

The High and Complex Framework Strategy will improve wellbeing outcomes for people in secure or supervised care with an intellectual disability and who have offended and are supported within the High and Complex Framework (the Framework).

This Strategy outlines how Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People will lead the High and Complex Framework.

Voices of key stakeholders including disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, people with lived experience, Māori, providers and disability sector subject matter experts have informed the strategy.

The vision: All care recipients and their whānau are supported to live safe, fulfilling lives where they can make meaningful decisions as leaders of their care journey and their voices are elevated in decisions regarding the Framework system and its services.

The vision has been informed by those who have lived experience living and working within the Framework, and their aspirations for the next 20 years.

We are proud to share this strategic statement with you.

On this page

Download the High and Complex Framework Strategic Statement

Download the High and Complex Framework Strategic Statement (PDF 1.2MB)

If you cannot access this document please email contact@whaikaha.govt.nz

Download the Easy Read Summary

This Easy Read document was developed and delivered by the People First NZ Easy Read Service. It’s a summary of the ‘High and Complex Framework Strategic Statement.

Explaining the High and Complex Framework

The High and Complex Framework supports people under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 and other relevant legislation. It provides a diversionary pathway for people with an intellectual disability who are engaged with the criminal justice system towards more appropriate services with a strong rehabilitative focus.

Under the Framework, a network of disability-funded services provides support to around 200-250 people with an intellectual disability, referred to as care recipients.

Whaikaha is responsible for the commissioning, planning, and funding functions of the Framework. The statutory and regulatory responsibilities for the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 external URL remains with the Ministry of Health.

Although this is the primary reason for the Framework, the Framework may also support those who have not been formally charged with a crime or those held under wider legislative means. This population is also made up of a number of former care recipients in the process of transitioning out of the Framework

Why are we making changes now?

This Strategic Statement was developed in response to lessons from the past, to plan for a better future.

The Framework which has been in place for over 20 years has been experiencing challenges for some years and is currently under immense pressure. There are aspects of the Framework that are no longer fit for purpose.

This strategy is also part of the response to the 2021 Ombudsman’s investigation into the Ministry of Health’s management of the Framework external URL in the published report “Oversight”, but it is significantly broader in scope.