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Practice note: Meeting professional and legal obligations through the careful management of personal information

Occurs on: Practice notes

December 2024 practice note from the Chief Social Worker.

Assessment and planning

Specialist child interviews

Specialist child interviews are conducted as part of an investigation when te tamaiti may have been the victim of abuse or witnessed an incident that may constitute a criminal offence.

Care, Policy

Ensuring a safe, stable and loving home for tamariki and rangatahi in care or custody

This policy sets out the requirements to ensure tamariki in care have a safe, stable and loving home if they are unable to have their long-term care needs met by their parents or usual carers. This policy replaces 'Noho ake Oranga'.

Care

Medical examinations and treatment

Tamariki or rangatahi may need a medical exam or treatment for obvious illness or injury, or at other times such as after an unauthorised absence or being missing, engaging in high-risk behaviour or sharing they've been harmed but we can’t see an injury.

Care, Intake, Assessment and planning

Strengthening our response to unborn and newborn pēpi

When we receive a report of concern for a newborn or unborn pēpi, we work with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi and family group using the same approach we use for all assessments or interventions with additional considerations to strengthen our response.

Disability

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and neurodiversity

All tamariki, rangatahi, whānau or families have mana ahua ake – uniqueness and potential within their collective structure. People living with FASD and neurodiversity have rights and their own identity and strengths, and can have fulfilling lives.

Youth justice, Policy

Using Family Court orders to respond to tamariki who offend – section 14(1)(e)

Applications for care or protection orders on section 14(1)(e) grounds are made by enforcement officers. Offending by tamariki aged 10 to 13 years is managed through a youth justice process but is primarily a care and protection concern.

Assessment and planning, Practice tools

Family/whānau/hapū/iwi — Tuituia subdomain

This domain explores whānau or family structure and functioning through their connections and relationships and how this impacts on meeting mokopuna needs.

Information sharing, Policy

Sharing information

Sharing information is a key part of a practitioner’s role when working with tamariki and rangatahi and their whānau or family to ensure we're keeping tamariki and rangatahi safe. We respect the mana and dignity of the people the information is about.

Care

Supporting tamariki and rangatahi with their health needs

Good health is essential to wellbeing and positive life outcomes. We need to support tamariki and rangatahi to access health services, both to maintain their good health and to meet any health and disability needs.