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Page URL: https://practice.orangatamariki.govt.nz/policy/care-arrangements/
Printed: 29/03/2024
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Last updated: 03/07/2023

Care arrangements

We must provide tamariki or rangatahi in the care or custody of the Oranga Tamariki chief executive with a safe care arrangement that responds to their needs and nurtures and advances their oranga (wellbeing).

When this policy applies

This policy applies to all tamariki or rangatahi who are in the care or custody of the Oranga Tamariki chief executive and cared for by an Oranga Tamariki approved caregiver.

When this policy does not apply

This policy does not apply to tamariki or rangatahi who are:

  • no longer in the care or custody of the Oranga Tamariki chief executive but who are living with a caregiver under a Living Arrangement (entitlement to remain or return – ETRR)
  • in the care of a care partner
  • in a care and protection or youth justice residence
  • in a supervised group home, remand home or other community home
  • on bail.

Policy: Transition to adulthood – Entitlement to remain or return to live with a caregiver

Residential care placements

If te tamaiti or rangatahi is to be in the care of a shared care partner, the requirements and processes in the section 'Working with care partners for care arrangements' apply.
Working with care partners for care arrangements

Working with Pacific peoples – Va'aifetū

Va'aifetū supports quality practice and helps us to work effectively with children and families of the different Pacific nations.

We use Va'aifetū alongside policy and practice guidance, applying the Va'aifetū practice considerations relevant to each child or young person’s Pacific nation of origin.

We also consult with and work alongside appropriate Pacific advisors when seeking and making decisions about care arrangements for Pacific children and young people.

Working with Pacific peoples: Va'aifetū

Approved caregivers

All tamariki and rangatahi in the care or custody of the chief executive must be cared for by an Oranga Tamariki approved caregiver.

If a care arrangement for a tamaiti or rangatahi in the care or custody of the chief executive needs to be made in an urgent situation, a caregiver may be provisionally approved.

Policy: Caregiver and adoptive applicant assessment and approval – Provisional assessment for urgent placements

It is a requirement of the Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018 that caregivers must be approved or provisionally approved before te tamaiti or rangatahi moves to live in their care. If te tamaiti or rangatahi is not living in the care of an approved caregiver, we must take immediate steps to remedy this.

Involving te tamaiti or rangatahi in decisions about their care

Tamariki and rangatahi have a right to be safely cared for within their family, whānau, hapū, iwi or family group and have their oranga realised and sustained.

From the earliest opportunity, we must build a relationship with te tamaiti or rangatahi and involve them in finding an appropriate home for them to live. Tamariki and rangatahi have a right to be kept fully informed, to be supported to participate and express their views, and to have their views and wishes taken into account.

Policy: Participation of tamariki – providing information, ensuring understanding and incorporating their views

Whakamana te tamaiti or rangatahi through advocacy

Care arrangement considerations

While tamariki or rangatahi are in the care or custody of the chief executive, we must ensure a safe, stable and appropriate care arrangement for them that addresses their oranga needs, preserves their connections, recognises the importance of their whakapapa, and supports them to achieve their aspirations and potential. This includes recognising and supporting:

  • the oranga (wellbeing) of te tamaiti or rangatahi and their whānau or family
  • their culture, belonging and identity
  • enduring connections to family, whānau (including siblings), hapū, iwi, family groups, significant people and community
  • cultural connections to significant events and places
  • the cultural beliefs, practices and whanaungatanga responsibilities of family, whānau, hapū, iwi and family group.

Supporting whānau connections

Culture, belonging and identity

When a care arrangement has been agreed

When a care arrangement has been identified and agreed, we must work with te tamaiti or rangatahi, their family, whānau, hapū, iwi and family group, and the caregiver to ensure:

  • the caregiver has been assessed and approved
  • the All About Me plan is developed or updated
  • the caregiver support plan is developed or updated.

We work with te tamaiti or rangatahi, their whānau or family and the caregiver to plan and support the transition into the new care arrangement.

Policy: Caregiver and adoptive applicant assessment and approval

Policy: All About Me plan

Policy: Caregiver support

Policy: Transitions within care