Concerns about the safety of Oranga Tamariki staff running military-style boot-camp activities

The Children's Minister confirms no military staff are working with youth offenders on the pilot which began last Monday.

Oranga Tamariki says Defence provided input from their experience running the Limited Service Volunteer Course.

Official advice warns defence force staff on the LSV course suffered serious mental harm from managing violent, at-risk youths.

Labour's children spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime says the military themselves highlight how hard this work is.

She says it's now up to Oranga Tamariki staff with little training - who the Prime Minister criticised for their past work with youth offenders.