Report of concern response timeframe

Upcoming changes for this content

This content will be strengthened so it more completely reflects our commitment to practice framed by te Tiriti o Waitangi, based on a mana-enhancing paradigm for practice, and drawing from ​Te Ao Māori principles of oranga to support mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga. We each need to consider how we can apply these principles to our practice when reading this content. The following resources provide support:
Practice for working effectively with Māori
Our practice approach

24 hours (critical)

Te tamaiti has been seriously harmed or is at immediate risk of serious harm and requires immediate involvement by Oranga Tamariki to establish safety.

Examples include:

• te tamaiti has been physically hurt, harmed or sexually abused (see the Child Protection Protocol – CPP) or is at immediate risk of serious harm
• te tamaiti requires immediate medical attention and/or evidence gathering is required
• the alleged adult perpetrator has easy access to te tamaiti who is at immediate risk of further harm
• the home environment is seriously chaotic and dangerous, and te tamaiti is at risk of immediate and serious harm
• te tamaiti is left home alone, unaccompanied, abandoned or refusing to go home and all options of safety have been explored – consider the vulnerability of te tamaiti
• when information or concerns include te tamaiti being under extreme stress with suicidal thoughts and plan (call emergency services and the duty supervisor if the case is allocated).

48 hours (very urgent)

Te tamaiti has been seriously harmed or is at risk of serious harm but some protective factors are present for the next 48 hours. However, as the situation and/or need are likely to change, high priority follow-up is required.

Examples include:

• there is an adult protector present who is willing to provide immediate safety – a plan is required to ensure safety beyond 48 hours
• an alleged adult perpetrator has no short-term access to te tamaiti – a plan is required to ensure safety beyond 48 hours.

10 working days (urgent)

Te tamaiti is at risk of harm or neglect and the circumstances are likely to negatively impact on them. Options of safety and supports have been explored but concerns remain unresolved. Vulnerability and patterns exist, which limits the protective factors.

Examples include:

• vulnerability and risk factors associated with the adults are harmful to the physical, emotional, psychological and developmental needs of te tamaiti – for example, adult substance abuse, mental health issues, family violence, poor decision-making, instability of care as a result of parental or usual caregiver incarceration
• the health and development of an unborn tamaiti is significantly at risk due to the vulnerability and risk factors associated with the mother – for example, young mother, family violence, mental health issues, transiency, non-engagement with health, substance abuse
• te tamaiti is causing harm to self or others but there is no immediate risk. There are no adults or services able to respond to or meet the needs of te tamaiti
• cumulative harm to te tamaiti.