Care
Enrolling and engaging tamariki and rangatahi in care in education
We work in partnership to build a shared understanding of the education needs of tamariki and rangatahi, identify the best education environment for them and develop a plan. A good relationship with the school and effective communication are vital.
Care
Allegations of harm in care or custody
The safety and wellbeing of te tamaiti or rangatahi in care or custody is our first concern when there are allegations of harm or concerns for oranga.
Interventions
Measles, whooping cough and immunisation
We modify our usual social work practice approach in the context of a measles or whooping cough outbreak to prevent the transmission of these viruses.
Interventions
Family group conferencing practice standards
These practice standards cover the key practice requirements for care and protection coordinators, youth justice coordinators and social workers to support high-quality family group conferencing.
Assessment and planning
Preventing suicide and self-harm
We screen and assess tamariki and rangatahi who are at risk of killing or harming themselves. We build our understanding and create plans with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau or family that pursue improved and sustained oranga, particularly safety.
Adoption
Consenting to adoption
The birthparents have the legal right to consent to the adoption of their tamaiti. They must understand the effects of adoption so that their consent is fully informed and freely given.
Interventions
Legal statuses for custody, guardianship or placement
The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, Care of Children Act 2004, Adoption Act 1955 and Immigration Act 2009 have provisions for when Oranga Tamariki must approve the care arrangement for tamariki and rangatahi when they’re unable to live with their parents.
Working with Māori
Kairaranga ā-whānau
Kairaranga ā-whānau is a specialist Māori role. The literal meaning of the term is: a person who is a weaver of family connections.
Assessment and planning
Using chronologies to support decision-making in the initial assessment phase
A chronology records the key life events of tamariki or rangatahi and their whānau or family to help us understand their journey to date and identify patterns of harmful impacts on oranga or behaviour and times when oranga has been positively experienced.
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.