Care
Allegations of harm to tamariki and rangatahi by caregivers
The oranga and safety of te tamaiti or rangatahi is our first concern when an allegation of harm is made against a caregiver. We are respectful, fair, transparent and sensitive to caregivers’ needs during the child and family assessment or investigation.
Practice approach
Wellbeing
Any person can report a concern to Oranga Tamariki if they believe a tamaiti or rangatahi has been, or is likely to be, harmed, ill-treated, abused, neglected or deprived, or if they have concerns about the wellbeing of a tamaiti or rangatahi.
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.
Youth justice, Interventions, Policy
Youth justice family group conference – holding the conference
We support tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, family and victims of offending through a restorative process, in the least intrusive way possible, to uphold the mana of everyone involved.
Intake, Practice tools
Report of concern response pathway – further action required
We undertake the core assessment phase when there is further action required (FAR) – either a child and family assessment or an investigation.
Assessment and planning
Child sexual exploitation
We may become aware through a report of concern or while we are working with a whānau or family that someone is accessing, exchanging or producing recordings of the sexual abuse of tamariki or rangatahi (sometimes called child pornography).
Practice approach
Mo'ui Fakalata – Tongan cultural approach
Mo'ui Fakalata is an ethnic-specific cultural approach for Va'aifetū that offers all practitioners essential cultural and practice knowledge, skills and behaviours for working with Tonga children, young people, families, caregivers and communities.
Care, Policy
Transition to adulthood — Preparation, assessment and planning
This policy outlines how we help rangatahi prepare to transition from care or custody and become increasingly independent.
Youth justice, Interventions, Policy
Youth justice family group conference – convening the conference
When convening family group conferences, we support tamariki, rangatahi, their whānau or family, and victims of offending through a restorative justice process to uphold the mana of all involved.
Information sharing, Interventions
Information to the Family Court – section 131A
We provide brief written information about our involvement with the adults, tamariki and rangatahi named in a request from the Family Court under section 131A of the Care of Children Act 2004 (CoCA).