Practice tools
Gateway assessments
A gateway assessment is an interagency process that helps to clarify and identify ways to address the health and education needs of tamariki and rangatahi we work with.
Practice tools
Child/young person and family consult
The consult aims to structure our thinking and support decision-making to support oranga, including safety, for tamariki and rangatahi.
Adoption
Direct adoption applications to the Family Court
People who want to adopt a tamaiti who is known to them can make an adoption application directly to the New Zealand Family Court. When requested by the court, we assess adoptive applicants and provide a social worker’s report.
Assessment and planning
Interpreters when English is not the first or preferred language
We support the use of interpreter and translation services when English is not the first or preferred language of te tamaiti or rangatahi or their whānau or family. A sign language interpreter may be required when we are working with someone who is Deaf.
Care, Policy
Visiting and engaging with tamariki and rangatahi in care
This policy sets out the purpose and requirements of visiting tamariki and rangatahi in the care or custody of the chief executive.
Care
Supporting whānau connections
We support tamariki and rangatahi to establish, maintain and strengthen safe connections with their whānau or family (including siblings and cousins), hapū, iwi, marae and family group, and anyone else they or their whānau or family identify as important.
Care
Preparing to be a caregiver or adoptive parent
Preparing to be a caregiver or adoptive parent is an important step and includes attending an information session and preparation programmes.
Care
Support for permanent caregivers
The permanent caregiver support package provides permanent caregivers and tamariki with support after their care becomes permanent and custody orders in favour of the chief executive are discharged. We help plan the supports for permanent caregivers.
Care
Support for play, recreation and community activities
We must ensure that support is provided to tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody to meet their needs for play, recreation and participation in community activities, including supporting, and assisting caregivers to promote these activities.
Assessment and planning
When suicide risk is identified
When we identify suicide risk, we work together with te tamaiti or rangatahi, their whānau or family and other professionals to secure their immediate safety, and then develop a plan that will help te tamaiti or rangatahi restore oranga.