Disabled tamariki have exactly the same rights to safety, protection, care, love and being supported to achieve to their full potential as non-disabled tamariki. Standards of care must be the same as for non-disabled tamariki.
If a tamaiti who has high and complex disability needs comes to our attention we must:
- ensure their immediate safety, if required
- contact a regional disability advisor for advice
- work with te tamaiti, their family/whānau, NASC and other agencies early to provide wrap-around supports to keep te tamaiti at home, if appropriate
- ensure the experiences of te tamaiti and their family/whānau are positive and lead to good outcomes for te tamaiti.
Where you think a family group conference may be needed to provide assistance to address the wellbeing needs of disabled tamariki, consult with your regional disability advisor in the first instance.
If a specialised out-of-home placement is being considered for te tamaiti with high and complex disability needs, we must ensure the pathway used to support their placement is in the best interests of te tamaiti and their family/whānau. Consider less intrusive care arrangements before seeking any court order.
Regional disability advisors will work with you to provide advice tailored to the individual needs of each tamaiti.
Assessment of needs relating to any disability
