“This is the first peer-reviewed study in Aotearoa to centre the voices of rangatahi with lived experience of state residential care and the professionals who support them. It examined how culturally safe trauma-informed care is reflected in practice, policy, and models of care in state care and protection residences and group homes. Young people told us that being in care often felt unsafe and created additional trauma - especially when systems ignored their culture and voice. Real healing is possible when rangatahi are listened to, respected, and supported in safe, ongoing relationships where they feel they belong. The findings echo the systemic failings revealed by the Royal Commission and underscore why, amid moves toward punitive, boot camp–style approaches to youth, we must create a care system that heals - not harms.”