Assessment and planning
Initial assessment phase
We gather quality information and develop a chronology to assist us in deciding the best response and appropriate level of support for te tamaiti and their whānau or family.
Adoption
Social worker approval for placement of te tamaiti in adoptive home
We provide a social worker placement approval that enables the lawful placement of te tamaiti with the adoptive applicants. We act in the best interests of te tamaiti in the transition from birthparents to the new whānau or family.
Practice tools
SACS, Kessler and Suicide screens (SKS)
The SKS screens help us assess whether te tamaiti is dealing with substance abuse issues, suffering from psychological distress, or at risk of death by suicide.
Adoption
Involving fathers when considering adoption
Te tamaiti benefits from the involvement of their father and their whānau or family when exploring care options and any adoption plan.
Adoption
Approving intercountry adoptive applicants
The New Zealand Central Authority (NZCA) approves intercountry adoptive applicants as eligible and suited to adopt tamariki from overseas. We provide the NZCA with our Home Study assessment report and recommendation to approve the applicants.
Working with Māori, Disability
Upholding the rights and mana of disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori
Disability is understood and accepted as a part of the diversity of the human experience and disabled people are treated with dignity and respect in all our interactions with them.
Interventions
Tamariki and rangatahi with Family Court orders in place
If whānau or family have differing views about how to care for tamariki or rangatahi, or have experienced family violence, they may apply for Family Court orders. We consider any orders in place when we work with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau or family.
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Care and protection resource panel – handbook
Occurs on: Care and protection resource panel
This handbook sets out the requirements for Oranga Tamariki staff and panel members.
Care
Before rangatahi turn 18 — preparing them to leave our care
We must prepare and assist eligible rangatahi over 15 years old when they leave care or a youth justice residential placement to successfully transition to adulthood.
Care
Care standards
The National Care Standards set out the standard of care that tamariki and rangatahi need to be well and do well while they're in care, and the support that caregivers can expect to receive.