Health / Life And Society

Oranga Tamariki at a crossroads

09:08 am on 12 February 2021

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What is the future for Oranga Tamariki?

The ministry charged with caring for vulnerable children is again at a major cross-roads with the departure last month of the Chief Executive Grainne Moss.

The Ministry was established nearly three years ago, replacing Child, Youth and Family, and promised more early intervention and targeted support for at-risk children, more support for caregivers and better resourcing for social workers.

But it has been the subject of a several critical reports particularly of its care of Maori children  - who make up 59 per cent of all children in care.

Sir Wira Gardiner is now acting chief executive and an advisory board has been established which will report by June.

Lynn talks with Glennis Phillip-Barbara, Assistant Māori Commissioner for Children, Vaughan Milner, a registered social worker with 45 years experience, on the board of the Association of Social Workers and Chief Executive of Caring Families New Zealand, formerly known as Fostering Kids NZ - Linda Surtees.

Photo: Oranga Tamariki