Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/our-work/assessment-and-planning/assessments/specialist-topics
Printed: 18/06/2026
Printed pages may be out of date. Please check this information is current before using it in your practice.

Specialist topics

We need to be able to recognise different oranga concerns and decide how we can best work with te tamaiti or rangatahi and their whānau or family to support them.

Last modified: 22/08/2025
In this section
Preventing suicide and self-harm

We screen and assess tamariki and rangatahi who are at risk of killing or harming themselves. We build our understanding and create plans with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau or family that pursue improved and sustained oranga, particularly safety.
Working effectively with whānau or families impacted by violence

Family violence is abusive behaviour that can occur across whakapapa and generations and has complex causes. To support change, we consider restorative approaches that engage the whole whānau or family, rather than focusing on individuals or incidences.
Sexual harm and sexual behaviour

We support tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family when there has been sexual harm or issues relating to sexual behaviour.
Working with tamariki aged under 5 years

We support tamariki and whānau or family to describe, determine, realise and sustain their oranga. Tamariki aged under 5 years have particular vulnerabilities that impact their experience of oranga. Te Toka Tūmoana and Va'aifetū support our mahi.
Health and dental care

We support tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau with information about health and dental care.
Complex needs

Many tamariki and rangatahi may experience complex and layered needs that impact their lives, and the lives of others.
When tamariki are unsupervised (‘home alone’)

When we become aware that te tamaiti has been left at home alone or unsupervised in another place, we need to assess whether there is evidence of supervisory neglect.
Abusing volatile substances (huffing)

We need to understand how abusing volatile substances can affect oranga, including safety. We work with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and family and use screening tools and resources to build understanding and support sustained oranga.
Methamphetamine

We need to understand the impact of methamphetamine use on a person's ability to care for tamariki and rangatahi. When working with rangatahi who are using methamphetamine, we help them to minimise harm and risks to themselves and others.
Concerning fire-related behaviour

Concerning fire-related behaviour poses significant risks to te tamaiti or rangatahi and others, and can have serious immediate, short-term and long-term impacts on oranga. Serious underlying issues may contribute to concerning fire-related behaviour.
Responding to concerns involving extremism or radicalisation

What we need to focus on when we respond to oranga, care, protection or youth justice concerns for tamariki or rangatahi who are or may be engaged with or connected to extremist or radical groups or ideology where violence or threats of violence feature.
People trafficking

We can request a consult if we have concerns about people trafficking.
Adopted Samoan children and young people who are being harmed

A small number of children and young people adopted from Samoa and living in New Zealand may experience harm and exploitation.
Identity and culture

This page explores culture and identity, including what culture and identity are, forming a sense of self-belief and the hopes, dreams and wishes of te tamaiti and rangatahi.
Medical child abuse

Medical child abuse can have serious, even life threatening, consequences for tamariki and rangatahi. It's not a common diagnosis but we need to understand this disorder so we can recognise when tamariki and rangatahi are impacted.

Can't find what you're looking for? Try the search bar or view policies.

Share the link to this page Print page