Adoption
Balancing the Adoption Act and the Oranga Tamariki Act
When parents are considering adoption, we need to understand statutory obligations and be able to explain the impact of different legislation to birthparents so we can help uphold the mana of everyone.
Interventions
About family group conferencing
The family group conference brings together te tamaiti or rangatahi and their whānau or family, professionals and others to find ways to support the oranga of te tamaiti or rangatahi and consider the interests and impact of any offending on the victim.
Assessment and planning
Identity and culture
This page explores culture and identity, including what culture and identity are, forming a sense of self-belief and the hopes, dreams and wishes of te tamaiti and rangatahi.
Using section 261 in a youth justice family group conference
Care and protection concerns for tamariki and rangatahi who offend can be considered during the youth justice family group conference under section 261 or in a separate care and protection family group conference.
Care
Information and visits for prospective placements
The 'Welcome to our home' booklet and pre-placement visits help tamariki and rangatahi understand what's happening and where they're going ahead of time when they enter care or go to a new placement.
Interventions
Holding the care and protection family group conference
The conference is facilitated so it supports te tamaiti or rangatahi, their whānau or family and others participating to safely give, receive and consider information, express views and be actively involved in making decisions, recommendations and plans.
Care, Policy
Allegations of harm (ill-treatment, abuse, neglect or deprivation) of tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody
How to respond to allegations of ill-treatment, abuse, neglect or deprivation ('harm') of tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody, including keeping them safe, carrying out the child and family assessment or investigation and managing the outcome.
— download (PDF 580 KB)
Practice note: Upholding the mana and rights of caregivers (May 2025)
Occurs on: Practice notes
Practice note from the Chief Social Worker.
Assessment and planning
When adults who have sexually abused have contact with tamariki or rangatahi
We need to build and deepen our understanding of what safety measures are in place or need to be in place to protect te tamaiti or rangatahi to minimise the risk of further opportunities for sexual abuse.
Intake, Practice tools
Report of concern response pathway
We undertake the core assessment phase for a child and family assessment or investigation.