Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/our-work/care
Printed: 19/06/2026
Printed pages may be out of date. Please check this information is current before using it in your practice.

Care

Caring for tamariki and rangatahi in the care of the chief executive, including in our residences. Information on adoption and caregiver approval, support and review.

Care standards

Caregivers

Assessing and approving caregivers and adoptive applicants

We need to build engagement and trust with people wanting to care for tamariki and support them through assessment and approval.

Support for caregivers

It's important that our caregivers are valued and supported so they can provide the best possible care for tamariki.

Reviewing caregivers

All our caregivers (including section 396 provider caregivers) must have a regular review of their approval status and support needs.

Allegations of harm to tamariki and rangatahi by caregivers

The oranga and safety of te tamaiti or rangatahi is our first concern when an allegation of harm is made against a caregiver. We are respectful, fair, transparent and sensitive to caregivers’ needs during the child and family assessment or investigation.

Tamariki and rangatahi in care

Explaining rights and entitlements to tamariki and rangatahi

Under the National Care Standards, every tamaiti and rangatahi is entitled to receive information about what they can expect when they are in care, their rights and how they will be supported to raise any concerns they have.

Information and visits for prospective placements

The 'Welcome to our home' booklet and pre-placement visits help tamariki and rangatahi understand what's happening and where they're going ahead of time when they enter care or go to a new placement.

Te Aronga

This guidance supports our use of Te Aronga, an information and planning web application for tamariki or rangatahi in the care or custody of the Oranga Tamariki chief executive. It explains the parts of Te Aronga and their purpose and function.

Tamariki All About Me plan — child-friendly version

The Tamariki All About Me Plan describes how the needs of tamariki and rangatahi in care will be supported, as set out in the All About Me Plan, in a form appropriate to te tamaiti or rangatahi.

Connections

Information on maintaining and supporting connections – including culture, belonging and identity and housing support for whānau.

Meeting needs

Information on meeting financial, health, education and recreation needs.

Personal belongings and documents

Information on personal belongings and documents – including finances, wills, and records of life events.

Managing risk and harm

Information on managing risk and harm for our tamariki and rangatahi – including de-escalation, search and seizure, missing tamariki and allegations of harm.

Care agreements

Sections 139 and 140 of the Oranga Tamariki Act provide for tamariki and rangatahi to enter care through a voluntary agreement with the parents, guardians or person having care of them. The period of time depends on their age and the type of agreement.

Unaccompanied tamariki and rangatahi – section 48

When Police use section 48 for tamariki or rangatahi found in a situation where their physical or mental health is, or is likely to be, impaired, we find an approved care arrangement, meet their immediate needs and assess their oranga (wellbeing).

Transitioning between placements or out of care

When tamariki and rangatahi move between care arrangements

We support te tamaiti or rangatahi effectively as they enter care, move to live with a new caregiver, move into or out of a residence, return home or live permanently with a new whānau or family.

Use of legal orders to support a safe, stable and loving home for tamariki in permanent care

Legal orders for permanent care can support security and stability for tamariki who have been in our care or custody and their caregivers.

Support for permanent caregivers

The permanent caregiver support package provides permanent caregivers and tamariki with support after their care becomes permanent and custody orders in favour of the chief executive are discharged. We help plan the supports for permanent caregivers.

Ensuring a safe, stable and loving home when tamariki or rangatahi are living with non-whānau caregivers

Primary responsibility for caring for and nurturing tamariki and rangatahi lies with family, whānau, hapū, iwi and family group. Plans need to respond to the circumstances and care needs of each tamaiti or rangatahi in the care of non-whānau caregivers.

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

Share the link to this page Print page