Interventions
Applying for care or protection orders
When we have determined that a care or protection order is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of te tamaiti, we carefully consider their circumstances and consult with our supervisor and Legal Services to decide which application to make.
Care, Policy
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).
Practice approach
See and engage tamariki — guidance
I will see and engage with each tamaiti I am working with, in order to understand their needs, build their trust and ensure they have a say in decisions.
— download (DOCX 91 KB)
Memo template – Approval for placement/repatriation across international borders
Occurs on: When children and young people move (including overseas) policy — Resources
Template for memo to chief executive for approval of repatriation or placement overseas.
— 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
Mass allegation investigations
We work with Police on any allegation of abuse of 3 or more tamariki or rangatahi. We address the care or protection needs of tamariki or rangatahi with support from Police.
Care
Care arrangements for tamariki and rangatahi
When tamariki and rangatahi can't live at home, we support their right to a safe and stable home, to feel connected to family, whānau, hapū, iwi and community and to know where they belong.
— download (PDF 425 KB)
Understanding oranga to help us work with harm, risk and uncertain situations
Paper about reforming our social work offer to ensure we are understanding situations more holistically and being relational.
— download (PDF 481 KB)
Joint protocol – Family Court responses for children who offend
Occurs on: Using Family Court orders to respond to tamariki who offend – section 14(1)(e)
Agency expectations for enhanced collaboration between Police and Oranga Tamariki.
— download (DOCX 135 KB)
Letter 2a application for permanent care not supported – template
Occurs on: Support for permanent caregivers, Ensuring a safe, stable and loving home for tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody
Notification that the permanent care application is not currently supported by the site manager.