Last updated: 11/11/2019

Working with disabled tamariki who require a specialised out-of-home placement

This policy outlines the ways to provide support for disabled tamariki with high and complex needs and may require a specialised out-of-home placement.

Who this policy applies to

Tamariki who have high and complex disability needs and may require a specialised out-of-home placement.

What is a specialised out-of-home placement

The needs of te tamaiti are high and complex, which requires caregivers or service providers to have disability expertise and, in some cases, environmental adaptations.

Tamariki with high and complex disability needs who come to our attention

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

Section 141 care agreements

There will be a transition period for tamariki currently in a specialised out-of-home placement with a section 141 agreement. Before the start of the transition process we must speak to our regional disability advisor for individual case advice.

Staff resource (Digital Workplace): Section 141 agreements for extended care of severely disabled children and young people

Staff resource (non Digital Workplace): Section 141 agreements for extended care of severely disabled children and young people