A youth has escaped from a justice facility near Christchurch, prompting a police search.

The young person absconded from Te Puna Wai in Rolleston at about 11.30am, according to his mother, who contacted Chris Lynch Media.

“His mental health is not great. He was in hospital last night.

“The police are everywhere trying to locate him. I’m so stressed and sad this has happened,” she said.

Oranga Tamariki Youth Justice Services and Residential Care Manager Dean Winter said the agency was working with police to locate the youth.

“Oranga Tamariki can confirm a young person has absconded from a youth justice residence near Christchurch.

We are working closely with NZ Police to locate this young person,” Winter said.

A police spokesperson said “Police are making enquiries to locate a youth that has absconded from a youth justice facility in Selwyn this morning.”