Articles tagged with Tamariki
New Child Mental Health Service Opens in Counties Manukau for Faster Youth Support
2 days ago | 67 viewsA new dedicated child mental health service, Te Ooritetanga oo ngaa Ratonga moo ngaa Tamariki, has been launched in Counties Manukau to provide faster access and early intervention for young people up to intermediate school age facing moderate to severe mental health challenges. This specialist team, part of the Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, includes a range of professionals and aims to support the region's rapidly growing youth population with wraparound care. Funded by an $18.7 million government investment, the initiative is part of a broader plan to expand the mental health workforce and improve crisis response to prevent youth from falling through the cracks.
Tags: Matt Doocey Counties Manukau Te Ooritetanga oo ngaa Ratonga moo ngaa Tamariki ICAMHS child mental health youth suicide New Zealand Mental Health Minister Health NZ whānau workersGovernment Expands Redress for Abuse Survivors in Mental Health Care to 2022
4 days ago | 101 viewsThe Government is extending the state redress scheme to cover survivors of abuse in State-run mental health inpatient facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022, addressing gaps identified after Health New Zealand assumed responsibility in 2022. This change, prompted by survivors' difficulties in accessing recognition and redress, aims to provide consistent support and accountability regardless of when the abuse occurred. The amendment to the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is progressing through Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to meaningful change and preventing future harm.
Tags: Erica Stanford Charlotte Health New Zealand Royal Commission Ministry of Social Development Oranga Tamariki New Zealand Government Social Services and Community Select Committee Redress System for Abuse in Care BillOranga Tamariki Improves Child Safety with 97% Timely Visits and Better Support
1 week ago | 137 viewsOranga Tamariki has shown significant progress in child care and protection, with 97% of children visited by social workers on time and improved compliance with caregiver support plans. There has been a notable reduction in serious offending behavior and harm among children in state care, supported by increased social worker recruitment, $68 million investment in case management technology, and enhanced training. Despite challenges like high reports of concern and insufficient supported accommodation, Minister Karen Chhour remains committed to improving the system and prioritizing child wellbeing.
Tags: Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki Minister for Children social workers child protection National Care Standards caregiver support children in care youth offending case management technologyViolent Crime Drops by 49,000 in NZ with Increased Police Patrols and Reforms
3 weeks ago | 258 viewsSince the Government was elected, a tough on crime approach and nearly doubling police foot patrols have led to 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in New Zealand by October 2025. Key reforms include tougher sentencing, enhanced police powers, and coordinated efforts to reduce youth reoffending, resulting in significant drops in serious youth offenses and ram raids. Despite this progress, the Government remains committed to further law and order improvements, including new legislation to address disorderly behavior and strengthen trespass laws.
Tags: Paul Goldsmith Mark Mitchell Karen Chhour New Zealand violent crime Police Oranga Tamariki Crimes Amendment Bill Three Strikes youth offendingOranga Tamariki Staff to Administer Life-Saving Medicines and Expand Nurse Practitioner Access
1 month ago | 277 viewsOranga Tamariki staff will soon be trained and authorized to administer emergency injectable medications like EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, improving response to severe medical reactions in residences. This change allows young people to access Nurse Practitioners' services while retaining the option to see Medical Practitioners and receive prescribed medications from authorized prescribers. Implementation is expected by mid-2026, with ongoing training and support to ensure staff confidence and competence in emergency situations.
Tags: Oranga Tamariki EpiPens Glucagon Pen Kits Nurse Practitioners Minister Chhour emergency injectable medications residence workers medical emergency young people training and authorisationOne Year On: $200M Boost Drives 463 Affordable Māori Rental Homes Delivery
1 month ago | 310 viewsOne year after the Government’s $200 million investment, 463 affordable rental homes for whānau Māori have been approved across 11 Māori-led projects, with 392 homes contracted and over 260 progressing through early development stages. These homes are located in high-need regions and are intended to remain affordable rentals for at least 25 years, supporting long-term housing stability and community capacity. The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader efforts to fix the housing system by unlocking land, improving infrastructure, and reducing building barriers to increase housing supply and economic growth.
Tags: Tama Potaka Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Limited Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Māori whānau Tamariki Government affordable housing Māori housing providersNew Zealand Launches Inter-Agency Hub and Mandatory Training to Protect Vulnerable Children
1 month ago | 296 viewsThe New Zealand Government has launched an inter-agency hub at the Oranga Tamariki National Contact Centre and begun mandatory foundational training for core children’s workers to better protect vulnerable children, especially those with sole carers facing imprisonment. This hub facilitates rapid information sharing among key agencies to assess and address risks within 48 hours, ensuring tailored responses to each child's safety and wellbeing. These initiatives follow recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review and the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, complementing public awareness campaigns like Mana Mokopuna’s "Dear Children" to enhance child protection nationwide.
Tags: Louise Upston Dame Karen Poutasi Oranga Tamariki Mana Mokopuna Child Poverty Reduction New Zealand Police Ministry of Social Development Ministry of Education Department of Corrections Health NZCelebrate World Children's Day by Supporting and Becoming a Caregiver in NZ
4 months ago | 350 viewsOn World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care for children in need. The government and community share responsibility in supporting diverse caregivers through training, guidance, and improved resources to meet various care needs. Individuals who are patient and committed are encouraged to consider becoming caregivers to help children feel secure, nurtured, and able to thrive.
Tags: World Children's Day caregivers New Zealand Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki child care respite care transitional care family home caregivers community obligationCelebrate World Children's Day: Support and Become a Caregiver in New Zealand
4 months ago | 381 viewsOn World Children's Day, Minister Karen Chhour highlights the vital role of over 2000 caregivers in New Zealand who provide stability and care to children in need. Caregiving is a community responsibility requiring diverse individuals who are patient, kind, and committed, with Oranga Tamariki offering training and ongoing support. The need spans from short-term respite to permanent homes, encouraging more people to consider becoming caregivers to help children thrive.
Tags: World Children's Day caregivers New Zealand Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki child care respite care transitional care family home caregivers community supportRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew Appointed to Independent Children’s Monitor Board
4 months ago | 404 viewsRev. Murray Edridge and Hon Jo Goodhew have been appointed to join Dr Ang Jury on the Independent Children’s Monitor Board, which oversees the Oranga Tamariki system along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman. The appointments bring a wealth of expertise to ensure strong governance for monitoring child safety independently, as stated by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. These appointments reflect legislative changes aimed at creating an independent oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki, marking a significant step in the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children.
Tags: Rev. Murray Edridge Hon Jo Goodhew Dr Ang Jury Louise Upston Oranga Tamariki system Children’s Commissioner Ombudsman Wellington City Missioner Presbyterian Support South CanterburyGovernment Boosts Support for High Needs Youth & Families with New Services
4 months ago | 431 viewsIncreased funding under the government has enabled Oranga Tamariki to provide more services to high support needs young people and their families, with an additional 59 placements across 11 community care providers. These services encompass everyday support, access to education, community inclusion, extracurricular activities, and family contact, benefiting the youth immensely. The funding of $99.784 million over four years has allowed for trauma-informed care, specialist disability support, and tools like visual timetables to help these individuals manage and avoid triggers, demonstrating the government's commitment to addressing the needs of these young people and their families.
Tags: services funding government young people families Minister for Children Karen Chhour Oranga Tamariki support needs disability community care providersNew Zealand Minister for Children Achieves Historic Reduction of Harm in State Care Residences
5 months ago | 418 viewsMinister for Children Karen Chhour announced a historic 14% reduction in harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences in New Zealand, attributing the achievement to investments and practice changes. The focus on safety and well-being, including enhanced training, recruitment, and facility improvements, has been a priority for Oranga Tamariki under her leadership. These efforts align with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, reflecting a commitment to preventing harm and prioritizing the safety of children and young people in state care.
Tags: Minister for Children Karen Chhour harm reduction state care residences Youth Justice Care and Protection Oranga Tamariki safety improvements training initiatives Royal Commission of Inquiry children's system.Christchurch Care Residence Upgraded for High Needs Children: Te Oranga Reopens with Therapeutic Focus
5 months ago | 616 viewsTe Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch is being upgraded and reopened to provide therapeutic, trauma-informed care for children with high and complex needs. Admissions were paused in 2021 due to staffing issues and underinvestment, but the residence will resume operations after undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. Minister Karen Chhour highlights the government's commitment to enhancing care for children, emphasizing the importance of professional standards and investments in facilities to ensure a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth.
Tags: Christchurch Care and Protection Residence Te Oranga Minister for Children Karen Chhour vulnerable children Oranga Tamariki infrastructure upgrade therapeutic care professional standardsMinister Karen Chhour Reports Success in Youth Offending Reduction Efforts
6 months ago | 528 viewsMinister Karen Chhour notes a significant decrease in serious and persistent youth offending since June 2024, attributing the improvement to a tough yet fair approach and increased unity within communities and government. The reduction in youth offenders has led to safer communities, with lower rates of ram raids and repeat offending, as well as improved collaboration between Oranga Tamariki and Police. Investments from Budget 2025 aim to further reduce re-offending and enhance support for young serious offenders, prioritizing community safety and victim well-being.
Tags: Karen Chhour Minister for Children young people offenders community leaders New Zealanders Oranga Tamariki Police youth offending initiativesEmpowering Communities: Updates on Family Violence Prevention and Child Welfare Initiatives
6 months ago | 603 viewsThe Minister for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence and Minister for Children acknowledges key individuals and organizations in the field. Updates are shared on Te Aorerekura, the Oranga Tamariki Action Plan, and efforts to address trauma and prevent violence. The government is focused on improving multi-agency responses, workforce capability, and effective commissioning and investment processes to better support vulnerable children and families. Collaboration, communication, and social investment are emphasized to enhance service delivery and support community well-being.
Tags: Minister for Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Minister for Children Marama Davidson Emma Powell Benesia Smith Claire Achmad Te Aorerekura Oranga Tamariki National Strategy on Family Violence and Sexual Violence Social Investment Fund