Oranga Tamariki Act, ss 14(1), 19
If you’re regularly not going to school and the school has tried all options under its attendance management plan, it can get the Ministry of Education’s Attendance Service involved.
One of the service’s local organisations will then phone or visit your whānau to discuss why you haven’t been at school. They will work with you and your school to develop a plan to get you back into school.
In some cases, your school or the police may also contact Oranga Tamariki (OT) if you come under the care and protection laws. Care and protection laws apply if OT believes you’re experiencing neglect or abuse.
If OT become involved, they’ll probably set up a Family Group Conference (FGC) to look at the issues of concern. At the conference, your whānau can talk about why you’re not going to school and suggest solutions. The FGC should inform a plan of action, and OT should make sure support is in place for you and your family.
For more information, see “Oranga Tamariki / Ministry for Children” in the Community Law Manual