The National Grid | 2

Rangi and Tyrone are in an institution unlike any they’ve been in before. There’s no other children, for a start, only mentally unwell and dangerous adult patients. But in 1972 they are joined by other kids, when the Lake Alice Child & Adolescent Unit officially opens its doors. Leoni McInroe is 14 when she arrives at Lake Alice, becoming one of the many kids and teenagers subject to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and chemical containment, under the direction of psychiatrist Dr Selwyn Leeks. But is it actually ECT, or is it just a form of torture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

For more than five years, New Zealand investigative journalist Aaron Smale has been digging into the injustices - and crimes - of the state welfare system of Aotearoa New Zealand. Of all the unbelievable stories he has investigated, none is more shocking than what happened to children and adolescents at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital in the 1970s under the supervision of head psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks. This podcast contains descriptions of physical, sexual and psychological abuse perpetrated against children, as well as swearing, and frank discussions about mental health and suicide. Take care when and where you listen.