9 Feb 2023

Oranga Tamariki failing to meet standards for children in care

From Nine To Noon, 9:15 am on 9 February 2023

Oranga Tamariki is still not meeting minimum standards for children in care, according to a report by an independent watchdog.

The Independent Children's Monitor, Aroturuki Tamariki says there has been no meaningful improvement since the last report, and the agency is still failing to meet the basic needs of tamariki in state care.

The report found Oranga Tamariki was not able to provide data to show whether a child's education and health needs were being met.

It did report that only 53 percent or children are registered with a GP or medical practice, down from 60 percent the year before.

The Experiences of Care report also found that in the last year, only 65 percent of children in care were visited by a social worker in accordance with their plans.

Oranga Tamariki has custody of more than 6000 children and is supposed to meet minimum standards of care that came into force in 2019. Kathryn speaks to Arran Jones, executive director of the Independent Children's Monitor, Aroturuki Tamariki.  

Preschooler on bike

Preschooler on bike. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson