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.

— download (PDF 217 KB)

Medical report for caregiving and adoption – form

Occurs on: Applying to be a caregiver or adoptive parent

Medical report form for caregiver and adoptive parent application.

— 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.

— download (PDF 94 KB)

Lithuania intercountry adoption factsheet

Occurs on: Preparing to be a caregiver or adoptive parent, Types of care, Adoption – Intercountry adoption: adopting a tamaiti from overseas

Lithuania and New Zealand have agreed to follow the Hague Convention and adoptions must comply.