Last updated: 30/06/2023
Practice tool
Report of concern response timeframe
When we determine a report of concern requires a statutory response, we must decide the timeframe to complete Tiaki Oranga.24 hours (critical)
Te tamaiti or rangatahi 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 or rangatahi has been physically hurt, harmed or sexually abused (see the Child Protection Protocol – CPP) or is at immediate risk of serious harm
- te tamaiti or rangatahi requires immediate medical attention and/or evidence gathering is required
- the alleged adult perpetrator has easy access to te tamaiti or rangatahi who is at immediate risk of further harm
- the home environment is seriously chaotic and dangerous, and te tamaiti or rangatahi is at risk of immediate and serious harm
- te tamaiti or rangatahi 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 or rangatahi
- when information or concerns include te tamaiti or rangatahi 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 or rangatahi 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 or rangatahi – 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.