Considerations when developing a decision response

Updates to this guidance

We've added information related to FAR recommendations.

No further action (NFA)

If, after completing an initial assessment, we do not consider that it is necessary to complete further assessment or investigation, our response is no further action (NFA). 

An assessment or investigation is not necessary if: 

• the information discloses no harm, abuse, neglect, safety or wellbeing needs for te tamaiti
• whānau or family are actively pursuing wellbeing for te tamaiti and are willing and able to respond
• the information indicates other services are engaged and are meeting the safety and wellbeing needs of te tamaiti
• the initial assessment identifies no need for a core assessment
• the matters have already been reported and are being dealt with
• the referrer is able to make appropriate alternative referrals to services for te tamaiti and their whānau or family
• the Family Violence Inter Agency Response System (FVIARS) has assessed the information and the outcome is no further action by Oranga Tamariki.

Concerns that meet the Child Protection Protocol cannot be deemed to require no further action unless consultation has occurred with NZ Police.

If we decide to take no further action

Make sure the referrer:

• understands why the investigation or assessment is not considered necessary or desirable
• has alternative options for tamariki and whānau where appropriate, such as connecting them to a local iwi or community support provider.

We record the rationale for the decision and agreed next steps.

Initial assessments to be completed by the NCC

If the NCC believes that a report of concern does not require a further statutory response from site and is likely to reach an outcome of No Further Action, or NFA Referral to Service, then the NCC completes the initial assessment to support that decision.

If during the initial assessment process, the decision to NFA changes to a FAR recommendation, then the NCC continues to complete the initial assessment, document the assessment rationale and send to site.    

Refer to services

This is a voluntary pathway appropriate where support from another agency, iwi or cultural social service is likely to achieve positive outcomes and no further action is required by Oranga Tamariki. We choose this pathway when the needs can be addressed, or the impact on te tamaiti minimised, with the support of other professionals or services and there are indications that the whānau are likely to be receptive to the support. We are responsible for making the referral to the appropriate service or agency.

In the above context, a referral to other services is appropriate when:

• whānau or family circumstances may be harmful to the wellbeing of te tamaiti but do not present serious harm or danger
• the needs of the whānau or family can be met through engagement with local expertise.

In CYRAS, record the details of the referral, including:

• the rationale for the decision to refer
• any documents that accompanied the referral.

When attaching the referral form, check whether the form includes all key details. If not, consider adding the following in the casenote:

• consent
  • confirm that consent for the referral has been obtained
  • note who gave consent and the date it was obtained
• purpose of referral
• brief statement about why the referral is being made
• what specific need or issue it is intended to address (such as parenting support, mental health, housing stability)
• expected timeframe – record any expected response or pick-up time from the agency (if known)
• additional context
• other agencies already involved.

Tamariki in care

For all allegations of harm (ill-treatment, abuse, neglect or deprivation) of tamariki in care, we must complete a child and family assessment or an investigation.

The completion of a report of concern for all allegations of harm, abuse, neglect or ill-treatment of tamariki in care is the Oranga Tamariki process of meeting our obligations under regulation 69 of the Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018.