Assessment and planning
Female genital mutilation
We use a sensitive and considered approach for child protection cases where the practice of female genital mutilation has been alleged.
Assessment and planning
Conducting an assessment
Assessment is an ongoing process of gathering information to build and deepen understanding, requiring critical thinking and analysis. We articulate our understanding in the assessment report.
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.
Pathways to care: Emergency Actions
Removing a mokopuna from their parents/caregivers is a significant and traumatic event, undertaken only when the mokopuna cannot remain safe in the care of their parents/caregivers. It is best carried out in a manner that minimises trauma to the mokopuna and ensures an agreed plan for meeting the wellbeing needs of the mokopuna. There are times however when because of immediate safety concerns the mokopuna is removed quickly without their parents’ consent. This document sets out the provisions available when a mokopuna needs to enter into care in an emergency situation.
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.
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.
Youth justice, Interventions
Military-Style Academy orders
Rangatahi with a Young Serious Offender declaration can be sentenced to a Military-Style Academy order under section 283(na). We work with rangatahi and their whānau or family to support their participation and promote the best outcome for them.
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
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.