Guidance
Personal belongings
Tamariki and rangatahi in care have a right to have their personal belongings with them.Updates to this guidance
Engage with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau or family
We need to talk to te tamaiti or rangatahi about their personal belonging to find out what’s important to them and their whānau or family (and any concerns whānau or family might have).
We should ask about things that haven’t been mentioned but that might be important (for example, items relating to culture, disability, pets, or sensory and comfort items).
Seek support if needed (including how to care for the items).
When tamariki and rangatahi move between care arrangements
Emergencies
If it’s an emergency, we may need to use an Oranga Tamariki-provided bag. Keep them on site.
If belongings are left behind, explain why and reassure them that we will try and collect their belongings when it is safe.
If we need to temporarily safeguard possessions for tamariki or rangatahi, use a belongings register and return them as soon as possible.
If we suspect the home is contaminated, do not enter the property or collect any belongings. We should return to the office, seek advice from our manager and inform the Police immediately.
Buying bags, storage items, clothing and bedding
Wherever possible, let te tamaiti or rangatahi choose what they want to buy.
Safe storage
Tamariki must have somewhere safe to store their belongings.
Some tamariki may not want their belongings stored with the caregiver or at their new home. Discuss storage with te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Consider how belongings are shared between siblings.
At residences, practitioners, residence and remand home staff need to discuss with rangatahi how to keep their personal belongings safe. It may be safer to have their personal belongings returned to whānau or family. Residences have a register in place to record all personal belongings rangatahi come into care with.
Recording and registering belongings
Using the All About Me plan
The Belongings/Taonga section of the All About Me plan should be used to record their most treasured possessions.
Do this as soon as possible so anyone referring to the plan knows to show care and respect for the items.
All About Me plan to meet the needs of tamariki
Belongings register
We need to explain the option of recording items in a formal list called a belongings register.
Belongings register – template (XLSX 12 KB)
A printed copy of the completed register can be provided to te tamaiti or rangatahi and their caregiver if they want. This can be kept in their information pouch.
If items are lost, stolen or need to be replaced
Use the trauma-informed practice resources to help tamariki and rangatahi manage their feelings and support them by following process to replace lost or stolen belongings.
Make sure belongings are clean and usable – if they need to be replaced, explain why, as the items may have significance.