Source: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2018/0111/latest/whole.html
Timestamp: 2019-01-16 21:14:28
Document Index: 379572356

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'arts 1', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 1', 'art 3']

Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018 (LI 2018/111) – New Zealand Legislation
4 Overview of regulations
Needs assessments, plans, and visits to, and collection of information about, children and young persons
7 When needs assessment is required
8 When needs assessment must be completed
9 Record must be kept of needs assessment
10 Matters that must be identified in needs assessment
11 Process for assessing educational needs
12 Process for identifying connections with family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group
13 Process for assessing health needs
14 Process for assessing safety needs
15 Reassessment of needs
16 Purpose of plans
17 When plan must be commenced and completed
18 Process to be used to develop plan
19 Matters to be identified in plan
20 Plan must include information about arrangements with family, whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and family group
Reviewing children’s and young persons’ plans
21 Purpose of plan reviews
22 When plan must be reviewed
23 Matters to be taken into account when reviewing plan
24 Information to be given to child or young person, caregivers, and others
25 Relationship between plan and other documents
26 Purpose of visits to children and young persons
27 When visits to children and young persons should be undertaken
28 What happens when child or young person is visited
Persons to be regularly contacted
29 Other people who must be contacted
Support to address child’s or young person’s needs
30 Support for assessed needs
31 Support to establish, maintain, and improve whānau connections
Culture, belonging, and identity
32 Support for culture, belonging, and identity
33 Right to have personal belongings
Play, recreation, and community
34 Support for play, recreation, and community activities
35 Support to maintain and improve health
36 Children aged 1 to 4 years
37 Children aged 5 years
38 Children and young persons aged 6 to 15 years
39 Young persons aged over 16 years
40 Obligation to support attendance
41 Other support obligations
42 Monitoring educational progress
Support for complaints, feedback, and raising issues of concern
43 Support for making a complaint, providing feedback, or raising issues of concern
Subpart 1—Assessment of caregivers
44 Information to be provided to prospective caregivers
45 Assessment of prospective caregivers and their households
46 Purpose of assessment of prospective caregiver and their household
47 When assessment must be completed
48 Nature of assessment
49 Approval of prospective caregivers
50 Periodic review of approvals
51 Provisional approvals for urgent placements
Matters to be considered in determining suitability for approval
52 Identity confirmation
53 Police vet
55 Risk assessment
56 Assessment of other matters
Subpart 2—Support
Information to be provided to caregiver when child is placed
57 Information to be provided to caregiver
58 Purpose of caregiver support plan
59 When caregiver support plan must be completed
60 Content of caregiver support plan
61 Review of caregiver support plan
Caregiver support and capability building
62 Provision of support to caregivers
63 Support for maintaining whānau connections
64 Support for education
65 Support for culture and identity
66 Matters to be explained to children and young persons
67 Other steps that must be taken when child or young person enters care
68 Method of providing information and explanation
69 Duties in relation to allegations of abuse or neglect
70 Duty to maintain record of important life events
Subpart 1—Care transitions
Assessment, planning, and monitoring during care transition
72 Assessment and support plans for care transition
73 Process and contents of care transition plan
74 Monitoring and support during care transition phase
Subpart 2—Moving to independence
Assessment and support for children and young persons moving to independence
75 Assessment of life skills
76 Advice and assistance under section 386B(1)﻿(a) of Act
Monitoring and reporting by independent monitor
77 Independent monitor must establish assessment framework
78 What assessment framework must contain
79 Sources of information to assess compliance with these regulations
80 Method of assessing compliance with these regulations
81 Reporting requirements for independent monitoring body
82 Independent monitor may provide supplementary reports
83 Urgent reports of non-compliance where child or young person is at risk
84 Independent monitor may request information
85 Provision of information to independent monitor
Requirements for self-monitoring and self-improvement
86 Self-monitoring
87 Reporting to the Minister and independent monitor on results of self-monitoring
Transitional, savings, and related matters
These regulations are the Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018.
These regulations apply in respect of a child or young person in care or custody, and,—
in the case of a person aged under 18 years to whom section 386A of the Act applies, regulations 75 and 76 apply:
in the case of a child or young person not yet in custody but for whom the chief executive decides to seek a custody order,—
regulations 7 and 17 apply; and
if a prospective caregiver for the child or young person has been identified, regulation 59 applies.
The obligations imposed by Parts 1 to 5 (other than in regulations 44 to 56) apply only to the extent that it is reasonably practicable to comply with them.
if an obligation can practicably be complied with only to some extent, it must be complied with to that extent; and
if an obligation cannot be complied with by the required date, but can practicably be complied with at a later date, it must be complied with at the later date.
The chief executive must ensure that a written record is created and maintained that records—
when an obligation imposed by these regulations is not complied with, in reliance on subclause (2) or (3); and
the reason for that non-compliance.
A failure by the chief executive to comply with subclause (4) does not invalidate an action taken in reliance on subclause (2) or (3).
Part 1 sets out rules about needs assessments, plans, and visits to, and collection of information about, children and young persons.
Part 2 sets out rules about the provision of support to address a child’s or young person’s needs.
Part 3 sets out rules about caregiver and care placement assessment and support.
Part 4 sets out rules about supporting children and young persons to express their views and contribute to their care experience.
Part 5 sets out rules about supporting children and young persons during care transitions and moving to independence.
Part 6 sets out rules about monitoring and reporting on compliance with these regulations.
approved organisation means an organisation approved under section 396 of the Act
behavioural needs, in relation to a child or young person, means the things needed to help their behavioural development
care or custody, in relation to a child or young person, means being subject to an order for custody or sole guardianship or to a care agreement, in favour of (or naming as the carer) the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service, as the case requires
caregiver—
means a person in whose care a child or young person is placed by the chief executive under section 362 of the Act:
includes a whānau caregiver:
does not include a parent or guardian of the child or young person
chief executive means,—
in relation to a child or young person in the care or custody of the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, that chief executive (including the chief executive’s delegates):
in relation to a person who is in the care or custody of an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service, the person in charge of that social or cultural service, or the director of that family support service, as the case requires
educational needs has the meaning set out in regulation 11(2)
emotional needs, in relation to a child or young person, means things needed to help—
their emotional development; and
them to cope with life circumstances or events that may be causing them concern (for example, difficulties in relationships with peers, settling into a new environment, or adapting to change)
harm includes physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual harm
health needs has the meaning set out in regulation 13(2)
identity and cultural needs, in relation to a child or young person, means things needed to help establish and develop their identity, including any of the following:
their cultural identity:
their whakapapa:
their gender identity:
their sexual orientation:
their needs in relation to any disability that they have:
their spirituality or religion:
their knowledge and practice of 1 or more languages
need to maintain connections with family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group, in relation to a child or young person, means their need to maintain connections with those persons, taking into account the outcomes of a process conducted by or on behalf of the chief executive under regulation 12
play, recreation, and community needs, in relation to a child or young person, means things needed to help them to—
participate in community and peer activities:
experience opportunities to try different things, having regard to—
their age and development; and
safety needs, in relation to a child or young person, includes the needs determined by a process conducted by or on behalf of the chief executive under regulation 14
visitor is a person who undertakes visits to a child or young person or caregiver on behalf of the chief executive
whānau caregiver means a person (other than a parent or guardian)—
who is a member of a child or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group; and
with whom the chief executive has placed the child or young person under section 362 of the Act; and
who has primary responsibility for the care of the child or young person.
A needs assessment, plan, record, or report may comprise 1 document or 2 or more documents stored in the same or different places.
Part 1 Needs assessments, plans, and visits to, and collection of information about, children and young persons
If the chief executive decides to seek a custody order for a child or young person, or a child or young person enters care or custody, the chief executive must ensure that a needs assessment is carried out to identify the child’s or young person’s—
immediate needs; and
A child or young person who undergoes a needs assessment must be informed of the progress in, and time frames for, completing the assessment, in accordance with regulation 66(b)﻿(ii).
The needs assessment for a child or young person must be completed as soon as practicable after the child or young person enters care or custody.
A needs assessment for a child or young person and any amendment to it must be in writing and be maintained by the chief executive in written or electronic form, or both.
The following matters must be identified in each needs assessment for a child or young person (together with an assessment of what is required to meet those needs):
their identity and cultural needs:
their need to maintain connections with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group:
their safety needs:
their behavioural needs:
their play, recreation, and community needs:
their emotional needs:
their educational or training needs:
their needs relating to any disability:
how often they should be visited by a visitor.
A person carrying out a needs assessment must—
the views of the child or young person whose needs are being assessed; and
the views of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group; and
consult, where appropriate, with other persons having particular knowledge and expertise relevant to the child or young person (for example, their caregiver, health and education professionals, and cultural experts).
The needs assessment must identify—
the child’s or young person’s—
wishes (so far as is reasonably practicable given the age and development of the child or young person); and
aspirations (so far as is reasonably practicable given the age and development of the child or young person); and
the ways in which their strengths can be fostered.
The chief executive must ensure that when the educational needs of a child or young person are assessed the process involves—
identifying and considering the child’s or young person’s educational or training goals (that is, what they want to achieve); and
considering and planning how—
their educational needs will be addressed; and
the achievement of their goals will be supported through both formal and informal educational settings
In this regulation, educational needs, in relation to a child or young person, includes the needs determined by a process conducted by or on behalf of the chief executive under subclause (1).
The chief executive must ensure that the following persons are identified in relation to the child or young person:
members of their family (including siblings) and whānau:
important members of their hapū, iwi, or family group:
persons whom the child or young person considers to be important members of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group:
persons whom the family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group of the child or young person considers it important for that child or young person to have ongoing contact with.
The chief executive must ensure that the following are assessed:
the child’s or young person’s need to establish, maintain, or strengthen connections with those persons identified under subclause (1); and
the things required to meet that need.
Subclause (2) does not apply, in relation to a particular member of the family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group, if in the opinion of the chief executive it is not in the best interests of the child or young person to establish, maintain, or strengthen a relationship with that person.
The chief executive must ensure that, when the health needs of a child or young person are assessed,—
reasonable endeavours are made to ensure that the child or young person has access to a health practitioner who has knowledge and experience of the cultural values and practices of that child or young person; and
in the case of a Māori child or young person, the health practitioner referred to in paragraph (a) is a health practitioner who has knowledge and experience of Māori models of health.
In this regulation, health needs, in relation to a child or young person, means any current or projected needs relating to—
their physical health (including dental, auditory, and nutritional health, and any health needs in relation to a disability or long-term condition); and
their psychological heath, and any need for assistance to recover from the effects of trauma; and
their alcohol or drug misuse (if any).
The chief executive must ensure that, for the purpose of determining the safety needs of a child or young person, a process is conducted that—
identifies the risk of harm to the child or young person or to other persons by the child or young person; and
the nature of the harm, loss, or injury that the child or young person may have experienced, and the effect this may have on the child’s or young person’s ongoing safety or well-being:
the risks of harm posed by other persons who come into, or may come into, contact with the child or young person:
the nature of the child’s or young person’s level of resilience and any protective factors present in the child’s or young person’s environment:
aspects of the child’s or young person’s behaviour that may present a risk of harm, and the impact this may have on their own safety or the safety of others.
may at any time carry out a reassessment of any aspect of a child’s or young person’s needs; and
must carry out such a reassessment—
when the chief executive reviews the child’s or young person’s plan under regulation 22; or
if the chief executive, as the result of a visit, identifies that the child’s or young person’s needs have changed; or
whenever more information is obtained that indicates that the needs of the child or young person have changed.
The purpose of preparing and implementing a plan for a child or young person who enters custody or care is—
to ensure that their needs (as described in their needs assessment) are met; and
to give effect to the purposes of the Act, in particular those set out in section 4(1)﻿(a), (e), (g), and (h) (as provided in section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017).
the preparation of a plan for a child or young person is commenced as soon as the chief executive decides to seek a custody order for that child or young person; and
the plan is completed as soon as practicable after they enter care or custody.
The child or young person for whom a plan is prepared must be informed of the progress of, and time frames for completing, the plan in accordance with regulation 66(b)﻿(ii).
The chief executive must ensure that the matters identified in a needs assessment for the child or young person under regulation 10 are taken into account in the development of the plan for a child or young person.
The chief executive must also ensure that the following matters are taken into account in the development of the plan for a child or young person:
the views of the child or young person and their family and whānau:
the views of important members of their hapū, iwi, or family group.
The chief executive must ensure that the plan for each child or young person in care or custody sets out—
how each of the needs of the child or young person that are identified in the needs assessment under regulation 10 will be addressed; and
the support to be provided by the chief executive under regulations 30 to 42 to meet those needs; and
how frequently the child will be visited by a visitor, and the reasons for choosing that frequency; and
the matters required by regulation 20; and
the support to be provided to a caregiver under regulation 62 to meet the child’s or young person’s needs.
The chief executive must also ensure that the plan records the actions that other persons (for example, the child’s or young person’s caregiver, family, whānau, teacher, or doctor) have agreed to undertake to help meet the child’s or young person’s needs.
A plan for each child or young person in care or custody must include the following:
details of contact arrangements with members of the child’s or young person’s family (including siblings), whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and family group:
information about arrangements to enable those members to be advised of events (for example, sporting or educational activities) at which the child or young person is participating, so that those members can attend and strengthen their relationship with the child or young person:
details of any arrangements for the child or young person to be kept informed about matters relating to their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and family group and, in particular, details about those siblings who live elsewhere:
details of any other arrangements for the child or young person to maintain connections with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and family group for example, by—
arranging for the child or young person to learn and understand their whakapapa; and
enabling their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group to carry out their whanaungatanga responsibilities to meet the needs of the child or young person.
The purpose of a plan review is to ensure that the plan for a child or young person in care or custody is implemented in a way that—
meets the ongoing needs of the child or young person; and
reflects any changes in their needs or circumstances; and
minimises any safety risks to, or caused by, the child or young person.
may review any aspect of a plan for a child or young person at any time; and
must ensure that every plan is reviewed—
as soon as practicable and no later than 6 weeks after the child or young person enters care or custody; and
regularly after the review conducted under subparagraph (i), and not less than once every 6 months.
The chief executive must also ensure that any relevant aspect of a plan is reviewed whenever the chief executive identifies,—
as a result of a visit to a child or young person, that the child or young person is not being adequately protected or supported or their needs or circumstances have changed; or
that, as a result of information received from any source, the circumstances or needs of the child or young person have changed.
The person undertaking a review under regulation 22 must take account of all relevant information available from any source, including the following:
the findings of any reassessment of needs:
information obtained from, or provided by, the child or young person:
any relevant information provided by persons required to be contacted under regulation 29.
The information in a plan for a child or young person (including any plan that is updated after a review) must be given to the child or young person, in a form that is appropriate, taking into account their age, development, and any disability of the child or young person.
The information in a plan (including any plan that is updated after a review) that is relevant to the care of the child or young person must be given to the child’s or young person’s caregiver, or the manager of the residence where the child or young person lives (as the case requires).
The information in a plan must be given to those members of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group identified in accordance with regulation 12 as important to or for the child, in a manner and to the extent that the chief executive considers appropriate, taking into account—
the principles in section 5(1)﻿(c) of the Act (as provided for in section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017); and
the views of the child or young person; and
the privacy interests of the child or young person; and
any restrictions on the disclosure of information in a plan, agreed to at a family group conference or imposed by a court.
A plan for a child or young person must not be inconsistent with—
any plan agreed to at a family group conference or by a court; or
any protection order under the Domestic Violence Act 1995; or
any order under the Care of Children Act 2004.
However, a plan may incorporate, in whole or in part, any document referred to in subclause (1).
The purpose of visits by a visitor to a child or young person in care or custody is to—
monitor their ongoing safety and well-being; and
help ensure compliance with the principles in section 4A of the Act (as provided for in section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017); and
ensure that the needs assessment and plan for the child or young person are up to date and that the plan is being implemented.
The chief executive must ensure that visits to a child or young person in care or custody are undertaken at the frequency described in their plan.
the frequency of visits is reviewed regularly; and
if the frequency is altered, the plan is updated to reflect this.
The chief executive must ensure that, when a child or young person in care or custody is visited by a visitor, the visitor seeks to understand how the plan is working, including by—
inquiring about the things that are going well for the child or young person; and
inquiring about any concerns the child or young person may have; and
discussing and seeking to understand matters that are important to them; and
identifying whether their circumstances or needs have changed.
The visitor must, where appropriate and if practical, talk with the child or young person in private to enable the child or young person to express their views freely.
The chief executive must also ensure that the following persons are contacted and discussions are held on a regular basis to monitor the ongoing safety and well-being of a child or young person in care or custody and to ensure that the needs assessment and plan for the child or young person are up to date and that the plan is being implemented:
the child’s or young person’s caregiver, in order to seek to understand—
the needs of the child or young person; and
what support may be required to enable the caregiver to meet, or continue to meet, the child’s or young person’s needs:
other professionals who provide ongoing services to the child or young person:
members of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group who are identified as important to or for the child under regulation 12(1)﻿(c) and (d).
Part 2 Support to address child’s or young person’s needs
support is available to a child or young person in care or custody to address their needs (as identified in their needs assessment); and
the child or young person is assisted to access the support referred to in paragraph (a).
The support referred to in subclause (1)﻿(a) includes financial support and the assistance of specialist services (where required).
If support is provided under this Part, it should be provided—
in the amount and in the way the chief executive considers appropriate; and
in a way that involves consideration of the cultural safety of the child or young person to whom support is provided.
In this regulation, cultural safety means the protection from any action that diminishes, demeans, or disempowers the cultural identity or well-being of an individual, including their—
age or generation; or
migrant experience; or
religious or spiritual belief; or
The chief executive must ensure that support is provided to a child or young person in care or custody to promote mana tamaiti (tamariki) by ensuring that the child or young person is able to establish, maintain, and strengthen their relationships with—
members of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group; and
in particular, those people identified as important to or for the child or young person under regulation 12(1)﻿(c) and (d).
The support required by subclause (1) does not apply, in relation to a particular member of the family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group, if in the opinion of the chief executive it is not in the best interests of the child or young person to establish, maintain, or strengthen a relationship with that person.
The support required by subclause (1) includes the support necessary to—
ensure that the child or young person is able to have contact and connection with those persons identified as important to or for the child or young person under regulation 12(1)﻿(c) and (d); and
enable the child or young person to establish, maintain, and strengthen their relationship with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group; and
enable the child or young person to connect with their hapū, iwi, or family group through whakapapa; and
enable the whanaungatanga responsibilities of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group to be drawn on to meet the needs of the child or young person; and
enable the child’s or young person’s parents, guardians, and any other important members of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group to participate in important decisions that affect the child or young person.
The chief executive must ensure that those members of a child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group who receive the information in a plan under regulation 24(3) are informed of the progress and development of the child or young person on a regular basis.
Any financial support provided by the chief executive to enable contact with family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group to be maintained may be provided directly to the child or young person, to members of the child’s or young person’s family or whānau, or to the child’s or young person’s caregiver, depending on the purposes for which, and circumstances in which, the support is provided.
The chief executive must ensure that support is provided to address the cultural and identity needs of a child or young person in care or custody in a manner that promotes mana tamaiti (tamariki).
In deciding what support is to be provided, the chief executive must consider the following:
events of significance to the child or young person and their family (including siblings) (for example, the child’s or young person’s sibling’s birthdays or religious or cultural festivities) and how these can be celebrated or acknowledged for the child or young person:
opportunities for the child or young person to gain knowledge of their culture and other matters relevant to their identity:
opportunities for the child or young person to travel to, or otherwise connect with, places (whenua) relevant to their culture and identity:
opportunities for the child or young person to participate in activities and experiences relevant to their culture and identity, including—
reasonable opportunities to maintain or improve proficiency in the language or languages of the culture or cultures that the child or young person identifies with (for example, te reo Māori or sign language):
opportunities to develop a sense of belonging through connection with other children and young people in care.
The chief executive must ensure that a child or young person in care or custody is able to have—
their own personal belongings, including taonga, clothing, a suitable bag such as a backpack or suitcase, and bedding; and
somewhere to store their belongings.
The chief executive must ensure that support is provided to address the play, recreational, and community needs of a child or young person in care or custody.
The support required by subclause (1) includes support—
to meet the child’s or young person’s need for access to a range of age and developmentally appropriate books, toys, and recreational equipment; and
to meet the child’s or young person’s needs with respect to establishing and maintaining peer and community relationships; and
for attending and participating in sporting and cultural activities; and
for their involvement in community and volunteering activities; and
to provide opportunities for play and experiences; and
for arrangements for the payment of pocket money to the child or young person at a level appropriate to their age and circumstances.
The chief executive must ensure that financial support is provided that enables the child or young person to participate in sporting or cultural activities (for example, by paying fees for attending noho marae, or membership fees for participating in kapa haka or sporting clubs, or fees for music lessons).
The chief executive must ensure that support is provided to address the health needs of a child or young person in care or custody, including by taking reasonable steps to—
ensure that the child or young person is enrolled (in consultation with their parents or guardians) with a primary health organisation from which they can access medical services; and
ensure that the child or young person has (or has access to) an annual health check by a health professional; and
ensure that the child or young person has access to a health practitioner with the same knowledge and experience of cultural values and practices as required under regulation 13 when the child’s or young person’s health needs are assessed; and
in the case of children and young people over the age of 2 years, ensure that they have (or have access to) an annual dental check; and
ensure that health information is provided to the child or young person on relevant health matters (for example, physical development and growth, healthy relationships, and positive attitudes to sexual health, psychological, and emotional health), including how health services can be accessed; and
ensure that the child or young person is supported and assisted (in consultation with their parents or guardians) to access publicly funded health services to address their health needs; and
ensure that a child or young person is supported to access other health services (for example, private health services or therapeutic services) if existing publicly funded services to address their needs are not available in a timely manner.
The chief executive must advocate for the well-being and best interests of a child or young person in care or custody to access publicly funded health services under subclause (1)﻿(f).
The chief executive must ensure that a record of the child’s or young person’s health history is maintained.
The chief executive must ensure that, where it is in the best interests of a child aged 1, 2, 3, or 4 years who is in care or custody, they are enrolled in—
a licensed early childhood service (as defined in section 309 of the Education Act 1989); or
a certificated playgroup.
The chief executive must also ensure that—
the length of time for which a child aged 1, 2, 3, or 4 years is enrolled reflects the needs of the child; and
decisions about enrolment are reviewed regularly.
A decision made under this regulation by the chief executive must be made in consultation with the parents or guardian of the child.
The chief executive must ensure that, in the case of a child aged 5 years who is in care or custody,—
a decision is taken about whether it is in the best interests of the child to—
be enrolled at a registered school; or
be enrolled in a licensed early childhood service (for example, a kōhanga reo) or a certificated playgroup; and
if a decision is made not to enrol the child at a registered school, the decision is regularly reviewed.
A decision taken under subclause (1)﻿(a) must be made in consultation with the parents or guardian of the child.
The chief executive must ensure that a child or young person aged 6 years or over but less than 16 years who is in care or custody is enrolled at a registered school.
If any dispute arises about the enrolment of a child or young person in a particular school, the chief executive must take steps to resolve the dispute, including, where necessary, bringing legal proceedings.
The chief executive must ensure that young persons aged 16 years or over who are in care or custody are assisted—
to be enrolled at a registered school or tertiary education organisation; or
If a child or young person in care or custody is enrolled at a registered school, the chief executive must also take reasonable steps to ensure that the child or young person attends that school at the required times.
providing information to caregivers about the importance of attendance, including their role in supporting the child’s or young person’s attendance:
obtaining updates from the school or the caregiver on the regularity of the child’s or young person’s attendance, at least once a term:
putting in place arrangements to address any concerns about attendance:
facilitating alternative educational arrangements if the child or young person is excluded from the school:
providing representation at any hearing to consider the child’s or young person’s suspension or exclusion from the school.
If a child in care or custody is enrolled in a licensed early childhood service or a certificated playgroup, the chief executive must also take reasonable steps to support the child’s attendance.
The chief executive must ensure that assistance is provided to a child or young person in care or custody to support the child’s or young person’s education and training needs, including any of the following:
the provision of equipment and materials required for education that are not funded (for example, a school bag, uniform, and stationery):
the payment of education-related costs such as donations or fees (for example, fees for school trips):
additional support needed for the child or young person, and in particular a child or young person with disabilities, to succeed in education.
In this regulation, additional support includes transport, and additional tuition or education programmes (which may be provided through the education system or in other ways).
The chief executive must, in relation to a child or young person in care or custody,—
ensure that the child’s or young person’s educational progress is monitored and that regular contact, by or on behalf of the chief executive, with the education provider is maintained; and
support, in co-ordination with other relevant agencies, educational achievement by the child or young person.
The duties of the chief executive under subclause (1) must be carried out by—
ensuring that the education provider has sufficient appropriate information, and all necessary information, about the child or young person and their circumstances to enable the education provider to support the child’s or young person’s educational progress; and
engaging, at least once a term, with the child’s or young person’s education provider to discuss the child’s or young person’s progress and situation, unless the chief executive considers this to be inappropriate; and
taking all reasonable steps to obtain, at least once a term, a written update from the child’s or young person’s education provider about the child’s or young person’s educational progress, which may be either—
a copy of the education provider’s own report to parents; or
if that is not provided, information in a form requested by the chief executive; and
if the update identifies any concerns with the child’s or young person’s progress, or if the information provided suggests that the educational goals for the child or young person may not be achieved, taking any practical steps available to address those risks.
To avoid doubt, in this regulation, education provider includes—
a licensed early childhood service; and
a certificated playgroup; and
a registered school; and
a tertiary education organisation; and
a person who provides home schooling under an exemption from enrolment under section 21 of the Education Act 1989.
The chief executive must ensure that a child or young person in care or custody who wishes to make a complaint or provide feedback or raise issues of concern receives sufficient support, if required, to enable them to do so.
The support required by subclause (1), in relation to a child or young person who is considering making a complaint, includes helping them to—
understand the complaint process; and
understand the possible outcomes of making a complaint.
The chief executive must ensure that if a child or young person makes a complaint, the outcome of the chief executive’s assessment of the complaint and the actions that are taken as a result of that assessment are explained to the child or young person.
Part 3 Caregiver and care placement assessment and support
The chief executive must ensure that information is provided to a prospective caregiver to enable them and their household to understand the role of a caregiver and what will be expected of them.
The information provided under subclause (1) must include information about the following:
the assessment and approval process for caregivers, including the criteria to be applied in determining whether to approve an application to be a caregiver:
the level of care expected from the caregiver, and what will happen if that is not provided:
the impact that caregiving may have on the caregiver’s household (including the caregiver’s children) and the caregiver’s life:
the support, training, and resources that will be available to the caregiver to support the caregiver to provide care (including information about what financial support and respite care is available):
the importance of the caregiver informing the chief executive whenever there is a significant change in the circumstances or membership of the caregiver’s household:
the effects of trauma on a child’s or young person’s behaviour and development, and available services or other steps to support recovery and prevent further trauma:
the appropriate behaviour management to be provided by the caregiver:
the primacy of the child’s or young person’s best interests in decision making that affects them, and the importance of their views and their participation in those decisions:
the decisions a caregiver can and cannot make, and the decisions a child or young person can and cannot make, about day-to-day care arrangements:
a child’s or young person’s right to keep a reasonable number and a reasonable type of personal belongings under regulation 33:
the need for connection between the child or young person and their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group and how this will be facilitated:
the rights of legal guardians and how these are preserved:
how a child or young person can make a complaint, and how the caregiver can support a child or young person to make a complaint, and what support is available to the caregiver if a complaint is made against them by a child or young person:
The assessment of a prospective caregiver includes an assessment of their household and certain persons (described in regulation 48(2)﻿(c)) who have connections with the caregiver or their household.
A prospective caregiver and their household may be assessed—
in relation to their suitability to care for a particular child or young person; or
in relation to their suitability in general to care for children and young persons.
If a prospective caregiver and their household are assessed in the general way referred to in subclause (2)﻿(b), every reference to a particular child or young person in regulations 46 to 56 must be read as if the reference were to children or young persons in general.
The purpose of assessing a prospective caregiver and their household before a child or young person is placed with that caregiver is to enable the chief executive to determine the extent to which the prospective caregiver—
is likely to be a suitable caregiver who is able to provide an appropriate standard of care for the child or young person; and
is able to provide a safe, stable, and loving home for the child or young person; and
is able to meet the needs of the child or young person; and
is able to promote mana tamaiti (tamariki) and acknowledge the whakapapa and support the practice of whanaungatanga in relation to the child or young person.
The chief executive must ensure that an assessment of a prospective caregiver and their household is undertaken—
before a child or young person is placed with the caregiver; or
in the case of an urgent placement, in accordance with regulation 51(1), (3), and (4).
The assessment required by regulation 47 must include suitability checks of a relevant individual, including—
confirmation of the person’s identity under regulation 52; and
a Police vet carried out under regulation 53; and
the consideration of other information provided under regulation 54; and
a risk assessment under regulation 55.
In this regulation, relevant individual means a person who—
is a caregiver or is proposed to be a caregiver (a prospective caregiver); or
is a member of that prospective caregiver’s household who is aged 18 years or older and has consented to a Police vet; or
is a person aged 18 years or older who has connections to the prospective caregiver or their household and who—
is likely to have regular unsupervised or overnight contact with a child or young person in custody or care; and
is a person who the chief executive considers should undergo suitability checking; and
has consented to a Police vet.
The chief executive must also carry out an assessment of the suitability of the caregiving household as a whole, using the process set out in regulation 56.
After an assessment of a prospective caregiver under regulation 47 is completed, the chief executive must—
approve the person assessed as a caregiver; or
decide not to approve the person assessed as a caregiver.
Once a person is approved as a caregiver, that approval must be reviewed every 2 years.
The chief executive may at any time decide to review an approval if—
there is a significant change in the circumstances of the caregiver or the household of the caregiver; or
the chief executive decides that a review of an approval is warranted.
The process set out in regulations 47, 48, and 49 must be undertaken at each review of an approval.
The chief executive must ensure that a person in respect of whom a Police vet is being undertaken under regulation 53 confirms whether, since they were last subject to Police vetting, their name has changed to a name that is different from the name on any document they produced under regulation 52(1)﻿(b).
If, under subclause (4), a person confirms that there has been a change in their name, the chief executive must require the person to confirm their identity by producing a supporting name-change document as evidence of their name change.
This regulation applies if a placement of a child or young person needs to be made under section 362 of the Act in an urgent situation and it is not possible, within the available time, to carry out the assessment of the prospective caregiver required by regulation 47, in accordance with regulation 48.
If this regulation applies, the chief executive may decide to grant the prospective caregiver provisional approval to care for a child or young person placed under section 362 of the Act.
Before granting provisional approval under subclause (2), the chief executive must ensure that a provisional assessment of the person’s suitability to be a caregiver is carried out.
The provisional assessment must include the following:
the checks set out in regulations 52 and 53 and the risk assessment described in regulation 55:
an interview (which may be in person, by phone, or by audiovisual link) with the prospective caregiver:
a visit to the caregiver’s home, unless this is not reasonably practicable in the circumstances:
any other actions considered necessary in order to be satisfied that the prospective caregiver can provide the required level of safety for the child or young person in question.
If a person is provisionally approved as a caregiver, a full assessment must be carried out under regulation 47 as soon as practicable.
Until a full assessment has been completed, the chief executive must ensure that the placement of the child or young person with the person who holds provisional approval is closely monitored.
The chief executive must ensure that a person in respect of whom a suitability check is being undertaken under this subpart is able to confirm their identity by—
If neither of the documents produced by a person under subclause (1)﻿(b) contains a photograph of the person, the chief executive must ensure that the person—
produces, together with those documents,—
a photograph of themselves authenticated by an identity referee; or
provides the name and contact details of the identity referee.
If a person’s name is different from the person’s name on a document produced under subclause (1)﻿(b)﻿(i) or (ii), the chief executive must require the person to produce, together with that document, a supporting name-change document as evidence of the person’s name change.
The chief executive must ensure that a Police vet of a person in respect of whom a suitability check is being undertaken under regulation 47 is obtained from the New Zealand Police Vetting Service.
The chief executive may require a Police vet more frequently than required by subclause (1) if the chief executive considers it appropriate to do so in the circumstances.
The chief executive must, for any person in respect of whom a suitability check is being undertaken under this subpart,—
require the person to provide the following information (either in an interview or by providing documents):
a list of their residential addresses for the preceding 5 years; and
the name of at least 1 referee who is not related to the person and not part of the person’s extended family, and the name of at least 1 referee who is a member of the person’s extended family; and
in the case of a prospective caregiver only (and not members of their household), their immigration status; and
any other information that the chief executive considers relevant to an assessment of the person under regulation 47; and
interview the person for the purpose of obtaining information relevant to an assessment of the person under regulation 47; and
ensure that a search is undertaken of the records held by Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children for information about the person.
The chief executive must contact at least 2 referees named by the person under subclause (1)﻿(a)﻿(ii) to request any information held by, or known to, the referee that is or may be relevant to an assessment of the person under regulation 47.
The chief executive must ensure that the Police vet undertaken under regulation 53 is taken into account in assessing—
the suitability of a prospective caregiver to be approved as a caregiver; and
whether any member of a prospective caregiver’s household described in regulation 48(2)﻿(b) or a person described in regulation 48(2)﻿(c) poses an undue risk.
The chief executive must assess a person in respect of whom a Police vet is undertaken, or being undertaken, under regulation 53 to determine—
whether the person poses, or would pose, any risk to the safety of children or young persons as a prospective caregiver or as a member of a caregiver’s household, or as a person connected to the prospective caregiver or their household; and
if the person does, or would, pose such a risk, the extent of that risk, having regard to whether the person is a prospective caregiver or caregiver, or a member of a caregiver’s household or a person connected to the prospective caregiver or their household.
The chief executive must ensure that there is an assessment of—
other relevant matters, including the following:
the prospective caregiver’s experience, skills, (including cultural competency), and attitudes that are relevant to their ability to provide care for a child or young person:
the safety, adequacy, and appropriateness of the physical caregiving environment:
the needs, strengths, and circumstances of the prospective caregiver and their household:
the needs for support for, and building the capability of, the prospective caregiver and their household:
the identity of the persons who are in the prospective caregiver’s household and the identity of persons aged over 18 years who have connections with the caregiver or the caregiver’s household and have regular unsupervised or overnight contact with the child or young person; and
the likely effects of a placement of a child or young person with a particular household on—
The chief executive must ensure that a caregiver is provided with information to assist them to understand their role and responsibilities in meeting the needs of the child or young person in their care.
The information that is available before the child or young person is placed with the caregiver must be provided to the caregiver before the placement takes place and the remaining information must be provided to the caregiver as soon as practicable after it is obtained.
The information must be comprehensive and be in a form that the caregiver can easily understand, and must include the following:
a copy of any current plan for the child or young person (in accordance with regulation 24):
information about why the child or young person has come into care:
information about the child’s or young person’s needs, and in particular any critical information relevant to the child’s or young person’s immediate needs (for example, details of allergies, medications being taken by the child or young person, and any disability needs):
information about access to assistance:
information about the child’s or young person’s wishes, strengths, preferences, and behaviour:
information about the child’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, family group, and cultural background:
information about how often the child will be visited by a visitor:
information about the child’s or young person’s ongoing planned contact with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group and the persons identified as important to or for the child or young person under regulation 12(1)﻿(c) or (d):
any other information the caregiver and caregiving household members need to know to keep them and the child or young person safe:
information about support available that is relevant to providing care for the particular child or young person (for example, if caring for a child with a disability or with particular cultural needs).
The purpose of a caregiver support plan is to—
ensure that the placement with the caregiver meets the needs of the child or young person in the caregiver’s care; and
identify any additional support or training that is required by the caregiver.
The chief executive must ensure that a plan is developed to support a caregiver—
as soon as practicable after a decision to place a child or young person with that caregiver is made; and
if possible, before the child or young person is placed with the caregiver.
The caregiver support plan must be based on the caregiver’s suitability assessment under regulation 47 or 51(3) and (4) and take account of any training already attended.
The caregiver support plan must include a description of—
the support that will be provided to assist the caregiver and the caregiving household to meet the needs of the child or young person who is placed with the caregiver; and
the training that will be provided to the caregiver to maintain or develop their capability as a caregiver to meet the needs of the child or young person who is placed with the caregiver; and
how often the caregiver will be visited by a visitor (and the reasons for that chosen frequency); and
the frequency (and the reasons for that frequency) of reviews to be undertaken by or on behalf of the chief executive of the caregiver’s—
approval to act as a caregiver; and
The frequency of visits by a visitor to a caregiver and reviews of the caregiver support plans must reflect the needs of the caregiving household.
The chief executive must ensure that each caregiver’s support plan is—
regularly reviewed to—
ensure that the placement with the caregiver is able to meet the needs of the child or young person in their care; and
identify any additional support or training that is required by the caregiver; and
reviewed if, as a result of a visit by a visitor, it is identified that the caregiver’s needs have changed.
The chief executive must also ensure that a caregiver’s support plan is reviewed if there is an allegation that a child or young person in the caregiver’s care has suffered abuse or neglect.
The chief executive must ensure that caregivers receive support to assist them to—
meet the needs of the child or young person in their care; and
promote the child’s or young person’s mana tamaiti (tamariki) and their knowledge of their whakapapa, and to support the practice of whanaungatanga.
The support to be provided may include the following:
access to training to maintain or develop the caregiver’s capability in caregiving:
access to respite care:
access to advice and assistance:
access to a support person (including access to an alternative support person when the primary support person is unavailable).
A caregiver may request the chief executive to provide support to assist them to carry out their caregiving duties.
Support must be provided under this regulation or any of regulations 63 to 65—
to a caregiver, and to a level that the chief executive considers reasonable and practicable in the circumstances; and
to whānau caregivers as well as other caregivers.
A support person who is provided for a caregiver under this regulation—
must be able to help the caregiver understand their role as a caregiver and what is expected of them; and
wherever possible, should be able to provide practical, emotional, and advocacy support to the caregiver.
The chief executive must provide any support required to enable a caregiver to—
understand the importance for the child or young person in establishing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group; and
understand the arrangements for establishing, maintaining, and strengthening connections with family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group, as set out in the plan for the child or young person, including how the caregiver can support the child or young person to establish, maintain, and strengthen those connections; and
facilitate the child’s or young person’s participation in contact arrangements with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group (as set out in the plan for the child or young person).
understand the things they should do to encourage and support the child’s or young person’s educational activities and progress (including by making available quiet time and space for any homework); and
support the child’s or young person’s learning through the home environment and other informal learning by providing additional resources.
The chief executive must provide any support required to enable the caregiver to—
promote the identity and culture of the child or young person in their care (for example through access to te reo Māori, cultural competence training, and tikanga training); and
understand and respect the personal choices of the child or young person with respect to their identity and culture, including—
what name they wish to be addressed by; and
the appearance of, and clothing worn by, the child or young person (to the extent that freedom of choice is consistent with the child’s or young person’s best interests); and
enable the child or young person to attend or participate in cultural events relevant to their culture and identity.
Part 4 Supporting children and young persons to express their views and contribute to their care experience
The chief executive must ensure that the following information is provided, and explained, to a child or young person who enters care or custody, in a way that is appropriate to their age, development, language, and any disability:
the reasons specific to the circumstances of the child or young person that have led to them being brought into care or custody:
what the child or young person can expect when they are in care or custody, including the following:
the information set out in the statement of rights in Schedule 2, which must either be provided in that form or in a form appropriate to the age, development, language, and any disability of the child or young person:
the timing of the assessment of their needs and making a plan to meet their needs:
how often they will be visited (as specified in their plan):
who they can contact if they have concerns:
how their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group will be involved in decisions being made about them, and the reasons for the level of involvement of those persons:
how the child or young person can participate in decisions to be made and processes that are to be undertaken in relation to their care or custody, and how their views will be used to inform decisions made about them:
information about independent services that are available to the child or young person, including—
advocacy services and how they can access them; and
Māori, iwi, or kaupapa Māori services that are available to them, and how they can access them:
the child’s or young person’s right to confidentiality and privacy, including—
information about the purposes for which information about them will be collected; and
how and when information about them may be recorded, used, collected, and disclosed:
information about the record of important life events that the chief executive is required to keep about the child or young person, and how they can access it:
information about how the child or young person can provide feedback or make a complaint, including information about—
what constitutes feedback and what constitutes a complaint; and
who they can contact if they want to provide feedback or make a complaint; and
what they can expect if they provide feedback or make a complaint, including—
expected time frames for responses; and
what is recorded; and
how they will be kept informed about the outcome of their feedback or complaint; and
where they can go, both within the Ministry and outside the Ministry, to make a complaint; and
how they will be supported if they make a complaint; and
what processes or mechanisms are available to them, if they are not satisfied with the Ministry’s response to their complaint:
information about support available to them (including independent advocacy or other support services) if they require assistance to express their views.
The chief executive must ensure that, whenever a child or young person enters care or custody,—
information is provided to the child or young person about the prospective placement in advance of the placement date, including information about the new care environment and the caregiving household or the residence, as the case may be (for example, the expectations and rules of the household or the residence); and
the child or young person is provided with the opportunity, before the placement date, to visit the new care environment and meet their prospective caregiver or the manager of the residence to which they are moving (as the case requires) and—
to meet the members of the caregiving household or the people who live in the residence (as the case requires); but
if that is not possible, is provided with information about the physical environment of the caregiving household or the residence (as the case requires); and
the child or young person is able to take personal belongings of importance to them with them to the new care environment.
Despite subclause (1), if a care placement has to be carried out urgently, the chief executive must ensure that—
the requirements of subclause (1) are carried out to the extent that they practicably can be before the placement occurs; and
to the extent that subclause (1) cannot practicably be complied with, that it is complied with as soon as possible after the care transition takes place.
The information and explanation given to a child or young person must be provided in a manner and in language that is appropriate for the age, development, language, and any disability of the child or young person, to best assist them to understand it.
Whenever the child’s or young person’s plan is reviewed, the chief executive must ensure that relevant information is provided and explained to the child or young person to ensure that they have the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the matters in regulation 66 as they grow and develop.
If the child or young person who is required to be given information or an explanation under regulation 66 or 67 does not have the capacity to understand the information or explanation (for example, because of their age, language development, or a disability), this information must be provided to an appropriate person (for example, the child’s or young person’s caregiver or an advocate).
The chief executive must ensure that any information disclosed passing on concerns in relation to a risk of harm caused by abuse or neglect of a child or young person in care or custody is responded to.
In carrying out the process for responding to the information, the chief executive must ensure that—
the response is prompt; and
the information is recorded and reported in a consistent manner; and
where appropriate, the child or young person is informed of the outcome; and
appropriate steps are taken with the parties to the allegation, including a review of the caregiver’s plan.
The chief executive must, in relation to a child or young person in care or custody, ensure that a record of important events, achievements, relationships, and other matters in the child’s or young person’s life (for example, photos, art work, and school reports) is collected, recorded, and maintained.
The chief executive must ensure that the arrangements for collecting that record are made—
having regard to the child’s or young person’s culture and circumstances (for example, a disability); and
in consultation with the child or young person, where that is appropriate given their age and development.
Part 5 Supporting children and young persons during care transitions
if a child or young person is in care or custody but is about to—
be placed with another caregiver; or
be transferred from a caregiver to a residence; or
be transferred from a residence to a caregiver; or
be returned to their parents or guardians or other family members; or
cease to be in care or custody for any other reason (except because they are about to have their 18th birthday); and
during the period beginning at the time specified in subsection (1) and ending when the new placement is stable.
The process referred to in subclause (1) is described in this Part as care transition.
As soon as practicable after the chief executive decides, or is notified, that a child or young person is to have a care transition, the chief executive must ensure that—
an assessment of the necessary steps for the child or young person to experience a positive care transition is undertaken; and
a plan is developed for that purpose.
The chief executive must ensure that a care transition plan for a child or young person who is to undergo care transition is developed in consultation—
with the child or young person concerned; and
with the current caregiver (if any) and any prospective caregiver; and
if the child is in (or is about to move into or out of) a residence, with the manager of that residence; and
with the child’s or young person’s family and whānau, and the members of their hāpu, iwi, and family group who are important to or for the child or young person.
the steps that any current caregiver and any prospective caregiver (or if relevant, the manager of the residence) are expected to take to meet the child’s or young person’s care transition needs; and
the support that will be provided by or on behalf of the chief executive to meet the care transition needs of the child or young person.
The chief executive must ensure that sufficient monitoring and support are provided to a child or young person during their care transition to promote a positive care transition experience.
The support and monitoring provided under subclause (1) must—
be based on the needs of the child or young person; and
be carried out in a way that is culturally appropriate; and
ensure that an explanation is given to the child or young person about why the care transition is happening; and
ensure that information is provided to the child or young person about the prospective placement in advance of the transition date, including information about the new care environment and the new caregiving household or the residence, as the case may be (for example, the expectations and rules of the household or the residence); and
ensure that the child or young person is provided with the opportunity, before the transition date, to visit the new care environment and meet their prospective caregiver or the manager of the residence to which they are moving (as the case requires) and—
ensure that information is provided to any current and prospective caregiver, and, if necessary, to their caregiving household, about the steps they can take to facilitate a positive care transition for the child or young person; and
ensure that the child or young person is able to take personal belongings of importance to them with them to the new care environment; and
consider whether it is in the child’s or young person’s best interests to maintain or re-establish an ongoing relationship with the child or young person’s current caregiver and, if so, arrange support, to the appropriate extent, to maintain or re-establish the relationship.
Despite subclause (1), if a care transition has to be carried out urgently, the chief executive must ensure that—
the requirements of subclause (1) are carried out to the extent that they practically can be before the care transition occurs; and
to the extent that subclause (1) cannot practicably be complied with, that it is complied with, as soon as possible after the care transition takes place.
The chief executive must ensure that an assessment of the life skills of any person aged under 18 years to whom section 386A of the Act applies—
is undertaken at the same time that an assessment is made under section 386A(2)﻿(a) of the advice and assistance that the person will need to become and remain independent; and
is attached to the assessment made under section 386A(2)﻿(a) of the Act.
The assessment must take into account the young person’s development or any disabilities they may have.
In subclause (1), life skills includes the following:
knowledge and experience of any of the following:
managing any matters relating to sexual or gender identity:
safe and positive relationships:
The chief executive must ensure that the advice and assistance to be provided under section 386B(1)﻿(a) of the Act to a person aged under 18 years for the purposes of section 386A(2)﻿(b) of the Act includes—
a copy of the record relating to important events and achievements in their life when they leave care, and information about where they can access that record in the future; and
assistance to develop any life skills that the person may need to help them become independent; and
assistance to obtain official documentation before they reach the age of 18 years, including—
photo identification (for example, a passport or a driver’s licence); and
a certified copy of their birth certificate; and
an IRD number; and
verifying their identity online to enable them to access key government services; and
information to ensure that the young person is aware of the legal requirement to enrol on the electoral roll once they reach the age of 18 years; and
information and assistance before the age of 18 years to understand how to access health, education, housing, employment, financial, and legal services independently after they leave care or custody.
Part 6 Monitoring and reporting on compliance with these regulations
The independent monitor appointed under section 447A of the Act must establish an assessment framework (to use in its monitoring and reporting on compliance by relevant persons or bodies with the regulations).
The framework must—
explain how compliance with the regulations will be assessed; and
explain how the quality of care will be assessed; and
include the sources of information and key indicators of performance that will be used to assess compliance with the regulations.
The framework must be developed—
in consultation with the chief executive and any approved organisation with children or young persons in their care or custody; and
having regard to the consistency of the framework with—
the systems for continuous improvement developed under regulation 86(1)﻿(a); and
the systems of self-monitoring developed under regulation 86(1)﻿(b).
The assessment framework may identify particular priorities based on areas of focus for performance improvement, which may be—
subject specific; or
area or locality specific; or
particular to specified groups of children and young persons.
The independent monitor must use multiple information sources to assess compliance with these regulations, including—
information obtained directly from children and young people in respect of whom these regulations apply; and
other information sources, such as the following:
chief executives’ and service providers’ practice guidance, policies, documents, reports, and service feedback:
needs assessments and plans:
feedback, interviews, and participation from children, young persons, their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group, the chief executive, any approved organisation, and caregivers:
stakeholder feedback, including from advocacy services:
chief executives’ and service providers’ self-assessments:
data collected by service providers or through other mechanisms:
information from complaints and reviews.
An assessment of compliance with these regulations prepared by the independent monitor, must—
address the purposes of the Act (and, in particular, sections 4(1)﻿(a)﻿(ii) and (e) (as provided for in section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017), and must include—
an analysis of the nature and degree of compliance found; and
the associated effect of that nature and degree of compliance on the fulfilment of those purposes; and
have regard to other measures and indicators of performance developed to assess the performance of the care system; and
encourage the chief executive and any approved organisation with children or young persons in care or custody to work towards continuous service improvement by identifying areas of high performance and areas for improvement.
The independent monitor must provide a report to the Minister every 3 years that makes an overall assessment of the state of care provided under the Act and these regulations.
the number of children and young people in care or custody, the length of the time spent in care or custody, and a summary of the reasons why they are in care or custody:
a profile of the characteristics of children and young people in care or custody, including ethnicity, age, disability, and health needs:
information on the number of times children and young persons in care have had a change of placement:
information on the numbers of complaints and identified incidents of abuse and neglect found to have occurred in care or custody, and the procedures followed to resolve these matters:
identification of areas of good practice as well as areas recommended as a focus for improvement:
separate information or results for Māori children and young people, in terms of the level and degree of compliance with these regulations:
separate information or results for children and young persons with disabilities, in terms of the level and degree of compliance with these regulations:
the state of the systems of self-monitoring and continuous improvement operated by the chief executive and approved organisations with children and young persons in care or custody.
The independent monitor may provide supplementary reports on any relevant topic to the Minister—
at the Minister’s request.
The Minister may require the chief executive or an approved organisation with children or young persons in care or custody to report to the Minister promptly on the matters raised in a supplementary report.
The independent monitor must report to the chief executive or an approved organisation as a matter of urgency on any non-compliance with the regulations that places a child or young person in care or custody at immediate risk.
The chief executive or approved organisation must report promptly to the Minister and the independent monitor on the outcome of actions taken by the chief executive or approved organisation in response to a report under subclause (1).
The chief executive and any approved organisation with children or young persons in care or custody must provide any information requested by the independent monitor that is reasonably required for the purpose of—
reporting on the matters set out in regulation 81(2); or
assessing compliance by the chief executive or approved organisation with these regulations.
This regulation does not require any person to provide information if that person could refuse to provide that information in proceedings on the grounds of privilege available in a court of law.
The chief executive must ensure that information is provided to the independent monitor on—
reports of abuse or neglect that the chief executive has received under regulation 69; and
how those reports were responded to.
The chief executive and an approved organisation with a child or young person in care or custody must monitor their own compliance with these regulations (self-monitoring) by—
having systems in place for continuous improvement that identify and address areas of practice that require improvement; and
using a system for self-monitoring designed to ensure the collection of information that will support the independent monitor to fulfil its monitoring role.
The Minister may at any time require the chief executive or any approved organisation with a child or young person in care or custody to report on the matters referred to in subclause (1).
The chief executive and an approved organisation with a child or young person in care or custody must report to the Minister and the independent monitor on their own self-monitoring, including—
their response to any findings of non-compliance with these regulations; and
the identification of areas for improvement and reporting on progress in service improvement; and
providing a plan setting out the actions to be taken.
A report under subclause (1) must be made every 3 years following a report of the independent monitor under regulation 80, concerning the chief executive’s or approved organisation’s compliance with these regulations.
Schedule 1 Transitional, savings, and related matters
A needs assessment undertaken before the commencement of this clause in relation to a child or young person who, immediately before the commencement of this clause, is still in care or custody is deemed to have been undertaken in accordance with regulations 7 to 14.
However, any reassessment of needs carried out under regulation 15 in circumstances where subclause (1) applies—
may, on the first occasion it is carried out after the commencement of this clause, and despite regulation 22, be carried out within 12 months of that commencement; and
must ensure that the needs assessment meets the requirements of regulations 7 to 14.
If a child or young person in care or custody before the commencement of this clause has not had their needs assessed before the commencement of this clause that needs assessment must be undertaken, in accordance with these regulations, within 12 months of the commencement of this clause.
A plan prepared before the commencement of this clause in relation to a child or young person who, immediately before the commencement of this clause, is still in care or custody is deemed to have been prepared in accordance with regulations 16 to 20.
However, any review of a plan carried out under regulations 21 to 25—
must ensure that the plan complies with regulations 16 to 20.
If a child or young person in care or custody before the commencement of this clause has not had a plan prepared on the commencement of this clause, that plan must be prepared, in accordance with these regulations, within 12 months of the commencement of this clause.
3 Support plans for caregivers
A support plan prepared before the commencement of these regulations in relation to a caregiver is, on the commencement of this clause, deemed to have been prepared in accordance with regulations 58 to 60.
However, any review of a caregiver support plan carried out under regulation 61 must ensure that the caregiver support plan complies with regulations 58 to 60.
If, on the commencement of this clause, no support plan has been prepared for a caregiver, a caregiver support plan must be prepared in accordance with regulations 58 to 60 before a periodic review of an approved is carried out under regulation 50.
4 Assessment as to suitability of caregiver
An assessment as to the suitability of a caregiver that is in effect immediately before the commencement of this clause, is, on the commencement of this clause, deemed to have been made in accordance with subpart 1 of Part 3.
However, any review of an approval under regulation 50 must ensure that the new assessment of suitability complies with subpart 1 of Part 3.
5 What happens if needs assessment or plans are not completed
If, on the commencement of this clause, there is no needs assessment or plan for a child or young person in care or custody or no caregiver support plan for a caregiver,—
the needs assessment or relevant plan must be completed as soon as is reasonably practicable; and
in the meantime, support must be provided to the child or young person or caregiver (as the case requires) under these regulations, to the extent that it reasonably can in the absence of a needs assessment or the relevant plan.
6 Care transitions
If, on the commencement of this clause, arrangements for managing care transitions under regulations 71 to 74 are incomplete,—
those regulations must be complied with to the extent that the Ministry’s arrangements enable them to be complied with; and
those arrangements for managing care transitions must be completed as soon as is reasonably practicable, to enable regulations 71 to 74 to be fully complied with.
These regulations come into force on 1 July 2019. They set out national care standards for children and young persons in the care or custody of the Chief Executive of the Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children and other organisations approved under section 396 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 with the care or custody of children or young persons.
Some requirements of particular importance to children and young persons and their caregivers include the following:
a requirement for an immediate and long-term needs assessment when a child or young person enters care or custody (see regulations 7 to 15):
a requirement to develop, implement, and regularly review a plan for each child or young person who enters care or custody that responds to those needs (see regulations 16 to 25):
a requirement that a child or young person in care or custody is regularly visited for a number of purposes, including to monitor their safety and well-being (see regulations 26 to 28):
a requirement for the Chief Executive of the Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children or an approved organisation with care or custody of a child or young person is to provide support for the child’s or young person’s assessed needs (see regulations 31 to 42), and in particular to meet the following:
the need to establish, maintain, and improve whānau connections:
the cultural and identity needs of the child or young person:
the need of the child or young person to engage in play, recreation, and community activities:
the health needs of the child or young person:
the education needs of the child or young person:
a requirement to provide children and young persons with sufficient support to make a complaint, provide feedback, or raise issues of concern (see regulation 43):
a requirement to assess caregivers (including suitability checking) before placing a child or young person with them and to provide caregivers with support and a support plan (see regulations 44 to 65):
requirements for children and young persons to be supported to express their views and contribute to their care experience (see regulations 66 to 70):
requirements relating to the support of children and young persons in care or custody when their placement changes (care transition) (see regulations 71 to 74):
requirements to support children and young persons moving, or preparing to move, to independence (see regulations 75 and 76):
requirements for the monitoring of, and reporting to an independent monitor on, compliance with these regulations (see regulations 77 to 87):
a statement of rights, which must be given to each child or young person in care or custody in the form set out in Schedule 2 or in a form that is appropriate for that child or young person (see regulation 66 and Schedule 2).
These regulations are administered by the Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children.