A leaked email shows concerns about how military-style academies will uphold the rights of children

The Government wants to allow the Youth Court to send some serious young offenders to a military-style academy.

In June, Cabinet agreed the legislation would give staff the power to use force outside of a youth justice residence, such as while at overnight camps.

In the leaked email, a senior Oranga Tamariki policy adviser raises the issue of safeguards around the use of force and how it could impact the child's rights.

Children Minister Karen Chhour is unwilling to specify what those safeguards will be, but says there'll be a strict process for any group involved in running the academies.