Care, Policy
Support for tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody
This policy outlines our support obligations to address the needs of tamariki and rangatahi in the care or custody of the chief executive.
Care
Supporting tamariki and rangatahi with their health needs
Good health is essential to oranga and positive life outcomes. We need to support tamariki and rangatahi to access health services, both to maintain their good health and to meet any health and disability needs.
Care
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.
Care
Remain or return to living with a caregiver
Rangatahi in the custody of Oranga Tamariki can remain living with a caregiver after they turn 18 or they can return to living with a caregiver until they turn 21.
Assessment and planning
Seeking consent to talk with tamariki and rangatahi
Wherever practicable, we seek consent from a parent or guardian when we need to talk directly with tamariki or rangatahi aged under 18 years old.
Adoption
Facilitating the adoption of a tamaiti from overseas
We help adoptive applicants explore what’s involved in parenting a tamaiti from overseas. We provide information and can facilitate adoption of an unknown non-relative tamaiti from another country if NZ has an intercountry adoption programme with them.
Practice approach
Wellbeing
Any person can report a concern to Oranga Tamariki if they believe a tamaiti or rangatahi has been, or is likely to be, harmed, ill-treated, abused, neglected or deprived, or if they have concerns about the wellbeing of a tamaiti or rangatahi.
Care
Our responsibilities regarding health-related costs
Oranga Tamariki is responsible for meeting the cost of approved health and disability related services and treatments when there is a care agreement or custody order in place for te tamaiti or rangatahi.
Practice approach
See and engage whānau, wider family, caregivers and when appropriate victims of offending by tamariki — guidance
I will see and engage with family, whānau, caregivers and victims, in order to understand their needs and ensure they have a say in decisions about te tamaiti.
Youth justice, Policy
Using Family Court orders to respond to tamariki who offend – section 14(1)(e)
Applications for care or protection orders on section 14(1)(e) grounds are made by enforcement officers. Offending by tamariki aged 10 to 13 years is managed through a youth justice process but is primarily a care and protection concern.