Latest news with #AroturukiTamariki
Scoop
an hour ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Māori Tamariki And Rangatahi In The Oranga Tamariki System Are Still Being Failed
The outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the Oranga Tamariki system report, found that tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau are still over-represented and drastically let down within the system. The first report on the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system for Māori was published today by Aroturuki Tamariki the Independent Children's Monitor. State Care survivor and advocate, Ihorangi Reweti Peters, who grew up in the Oranga Tamariki system, says this report shines a light on the performance of the Oranga Tamariki system and that Māori tamariki and rangatahi are still being failed by the very system that is supposed to be caring for them. 'The Independent Children's Monitor found that Oranga Tamariki and NZ Police have strategies in place to address inequality and over-representation but there are barriers to making progress. It is crucial that both Oranga Tamariki and the New Zealand Police invest in adequate partnerships with Iwi, Māori and community initiatives that support tamariki and rangatahi Māori that are in care of Oranga Tamariki and with care experience,' Mr Reweti Peters says. 'These partnerships need to be increased so that our whānau, tamariki and rangatahi Māori have a safe and reliable organisation to raise concerns with. Oranga Tamariki is known to have multiple partnerships, sometimes these partnerships are not the best. 'The report also found that Oranga Tamariki is not always taking action to respond to reports of concern at the earliest opportunity. They found that almost half of the reports of concerns, resulted in a decision to take no further action. The reporting period 2023/24 showed that 52% of the reports of concerns received by Oranga Tamariki were for tamariki and rangatahi who identified as Māori. 'Early intervention is key to responding to reports of concern and supporting these whānau and making sure that our tamariki and rangatahi Māori remain out of Oranga Tamariki care. Ngā Maata Waka and Oranga Tamariki were working in partnership to provide community-led initiatives that responds to reports of concern. This successful initiative no longer operates due to a lack of funding and the roll-out of a new National Contact Centre localised response. 'This initiative was crucial for Māori whānau as it was a by Māori for Māori approach – where tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can engage in the ways that they want to respond to the report of concern. If this service is not reinstated our whānau will continue to fall through the cracks and not receive the right support that they are entitled too. 'I welcome the report today by the Independent Children's Monitor and I hope that Oranga Tamariki, in the interim, will improve the outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori. However, Oranga Tamariki is still in no place to care for some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most vulnerable children and young people. I echo the calls from survivors, academics and whānau, that Oranga Tamariki needs to be dismantled and Iwi, Hāpū and Whānau need to take over the provisions of caring for our tamariki and rangatahi,' says Mr Reweti Peters
The Spinoff
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Spinoff
‘Falling short': New oranga tamariki report finds ‘sobering' outcomes for Māori in care
Aroturuki Tamariki – Independent Children's Monitor's new oranga tamariki report, looking at outcomes for Māori in state care, provides damning statistics on the inequalities faced by these rangatahi, and their hopes for the future despite it. Barriers to housing and employment, higher mortality rates and a 70% likelihood of continuing a generational cycle in state care are faced by Māori who have been through the oranga tamariki system, a new report has found. Aroturuki Tamariki – Independent Children's Monitor released its inaugural report on Wednesday, with findings overwhelmingly pointing to a system that is 'failing to deliver equal outcomes for Māori'. The report covers the period between July 1, 2023 and June 20, 2024 and the outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori in the 'oranga tamariki system', which includes Oranga Tamariki, police and various ministries including health and social development. Two thirds of all young people in state care and three quarters of those in youth justice custody are Māori. At the same time half the reports of concern made to Oranga Tamariki are regarding Māori children. The report emphasised that most young Māori – who make up a third of those under 18 in New Zealand, around 333,600 people – have no involvement with Oranga Tamariki. But those who do spend time in state care are far more likely to need further state, mental health and addiction support later in life. The key findings Researchers spoke to 1,800 people – including 200 young people, 550 Oranga Tamariki staff and 160 Māori service providers – across Auckland, Taranaki-Manawatū, Canterbury and Upper South for this report. The report states that the more involved young Māori become in the oranga tamariki system, 'the worse their long-term outcomes'. In 2023/24, 92% of young Māori referred to a youth justice family conference had a previous care and protection report of concern. Meanwhile, 34% of young Māori currently in the oranga tamariki system told researchers they have attempted suicide in the last 12 months – this is more than double the rate of their Māori peers outside of it. Experience in care continues to affect Māori even when they leave it – to assess outcomes, the report looked at indicators for Māori aged 27-30 in 2022 who had spent time in the oranga tamariki system, compared to Māori of the same age who had not. They are nine times more likely to have been in emergency housing, six times more likely to have been hospitalised for self-harm and are 'much more likely' to be victims of crime than Māori who have never been in state care. Three quarters of those who have previously been in youth justice custody have spent time in prison or on home detention since turning 18. And 70% of Māori parents who have lived in care see their tamariki involved with Oranga Tamariki 'in some way', while one in eight have had one or more children in care at some point. What do Māori in state care say? Despite a survey revealing those currently in state care feel less safe, hopeful and loved by their community than those outside of it, anonymous quotes from young Māori included in the report paint a picture of rangatahi with big dreams for the future. They want to get NCEA and university qualifications; one shared ambitions of becoming a technician; one hopes to be a marine biologist; and another wants to be a youth worker, to show rangatahi 'someone with life experience'. Another dreams of 'grow[ing] up successful' to 'give my kids what I couldn't have'. 'I feel I'm going to be successful for myself. It's a feeling I've got. When I leave school, I'll become a waiter, save money, travel the world, make some more money and then start a business,' said one respondent. 'To become a businesswomen, be a rich mum. I feel like my dreams will come true even if they take a while'. What's not working? Aroturuki Tamariki chief executive Arran Jones said the findings were a 'story of consequence' and of needs not being addressed by a system that can't always put the right support in place at the right time. The report was 'sobering', he said. 'The data paints a stark picture of the consequence of the oranga tamariki system not doing more to help.' The report acknowledges that police and Oranga Tamariki both have strategies in place to better support young Māori, but there are significant barriers to progress. Oranga Tamariki has 'competing policies, a low trust culture, layers of decision making and the inability to make the best use of existing tools, such as family group conferences (FGCs) means that social workers are not always able to work in a way that meets the needs of tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau'. Too little too late The agency also has a high threshold for investigating reports of concern made about tamariki and rangatahi, with half of these reports resulting in a decision to take no further action. The report notes that failing to take action at the earliest intervention can leave these young people at risk, with the potential of greater involvement within the oranga tamariki system down the line. More holistic youth justice options would be helpful for tamariki and whānau, but the report states that curbing offending altogether by having agencies work together when reports of concern are made will lead to more improved outcomes for young Māori. Despite efforts, inequalities in the oranga tamariki system against Māori aren't reducing. Is anything working? The report did commend the efforts of iwi partnerships, highlighting Whakapai Hauora (Best Care Charitable Trust) which was delegated statutory youth justice powers and functions from Oranga Tamariki in 2020. Whakapai Hauora provides wraparound support for Māori who have offended, with initiatives that include teaching life skills to wāhine Māori, whānau programmes and encouraging rangatahi to work as a form of reparation. Since 2020, only one rangatahi referred to Whakapai Hauora has proceeded to a court order. In another instance, one young man who committed theft was later employed by the business he stole from. 'Significant reductions in reoffending' have also been seen by Auckland's Kotahi te Whakaaro, which connects government and non-government organisations and works alongside whānau to prevent young Māori from reoffending. Porirua's Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira offers early intervention initiatives, which have resulted in a 21% drop in reports of concern, the lowest rate in the town in four years. The response from parliament Minister for children Karen Chhour said the overrepresentation of Māori in the oranga tamariki system is a 'complex and historical challenge' which will require an all-of-government response working alongside communities. Chhour said previous ministers have failed to support Oranga Tamariki, but she is 'pleased' the report recognises 'the progress and early successes tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau are experiencing as a result of this devolution work'. Oranga Tamariki has accepted the report's findings and agreed the overrepresentation of and outcomes for Māori need to be improved, but says more scrutiny is needed on the work of other agencies (such as the education and health ministries) 'who share responsibility for improving outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau', spokesperson Janet Fletcher told RNZ. 'A key priority for Oranga Tamariki is to decentralise and devolve services to iwi, Māori and communities through our strategic partnerships, and support tamariki and whānau voices to be at the forefront,' said Fletcher. Labour's children's spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said the report revealed a 'disturbing and urgent problem', while the prime minister had 'overseen dangerous changes to Oranga Tamariki' and 'allowed an Act minister to recklessly erode the services that have been built to support children'.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Report On Outcomes For Tamariki And Rangatahi Māori In The Oranga Tamariki System – A Story Of Consequence
Press Release – Aroturuki Tamariki Aroturuki Tamariki Chief Executive Arran Jones says the report is a story of consequence of needs not addressed by a system that is not always able to work together to get the right support in place at the right time. In the first of a new annual report series – Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system – Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children's Monitor found tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) Māori and their whānau are over-represented in the oranga tamariki system and the system is letting them down. While Oranga Tamariki has a pivotal role, the system includes NZ Police and the Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development. Most tamariki and rangatahi Māori have no involvement in the oranga tamariki system. But when they do, there are increasing levels of over-representation – almost 50 percent of reports of concern made to Oranga Tamariki are about tamariki and rangatahi Māori, they make up two-thirds of those in care, and more than three quarters of those in youth justice custody. Aroturuki Tamariki Chief Executive Arran Jones says the report is a story of consequence – of needs not addressed by a system that is not always able to work together to get the right support in place at the right time. 'The needs of tamariki and rangatahi then multiply as they escalate through the system,' Mr Jones said. Data shows 92 percent of rangatahi referred to a youth justice family group conference in 2023/24 had concerns raised about their safety and wellbeing when they were younger. 'Tamariki and rangatahi come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki because someone has raised concerns about alleged abuse, or their wellbeing. This is the moment to get the right services and supports in place so tamariki and rangatahi don't escalate through the system,' says Mr Jones Escalation through the system can eventually mean involvement with the Police – and Police data shows a difference in the severity of proceedings against tamariki and rangatahi Māori in 2023/24: tamariki Māori aged 10–13 are less likely to be referred to alternative action or given a warning and more likely to be prosecuted or referred to a youth justice FGC than others rangatahi Māori aged 14–17 are less likely to get a warning or be referred to alternative action and more likely to be prosecuted than others. The outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori currently involved with the oranga tamariki system are less positive than those for Māori with no involvement. In 2022, tamariki and rangatahi Māori: in care or custody, achieved education qualifications at almost half the rate of Māori with no involvement in the oranga tamariki system, were significantly more likely to be hospitalised for self-harm than those with no involvement in care, used mental health and addiction services at nearly five times the rate of Māori with no involvement. Rangatahi Māori in youth justice custody used these at 15 times the rate – 60 percent of rangatahi Māori in youth justice custody used mental health and addiction services. Considering 92 percent of these rangatahi had reports of concern made about their safety and wellbeing when they were younger, this is no surprise. 'The outcomes for young Māori adults, aged 27–30, who were involved in the oranga tamariki system as children are sobering. The data paints a stark picture of the consequence of the oranga tamariki system not doing more to help. Māori adults who had been in the system as children are less likely to be employed, less likely to have a driver licence, more likely to be on a benefit, more likely to be in emergency housing, and more likely to be hospitalised for self-harm than Māori who had no involvement. Mortality rates are double or triple those of Māori with no involvement in the oranga tamariki system for vehicle accidents and for self-harm (including suicide),' says Mr Jones. The report also identifies the importance of breaking the cycle. For Māori parents (aged 27–30 years) who had previously been in care themselves, 68 percent have children involved with Oranga Tamariki in some way and one in eight have had one or more children in care at some point. 'This report highlights initiatives and ways of working that provide a pathway ahead for all government agencies. Working with tamariki and rangatahi alongside their whānau, building trusted long-term relationships, looking outside of organisational silos to understand their wider needs and providing services across government and community agencies. To paraphrase one of the providers we heard from, this is where the magic happens,' says Mr Jones. The initiatives highlighted in the report include a statutory youth justice delegation from Oranga Tamariki to Whakapai Hauora by Rangitāne o Manawatū. Whakapai Hauora provides wraparound support to rangatahi Māori who have offended, reporting only one referral proceeding to a court order. Some rangatahi who have completed programmes have returned as mentors and one rangatahi is now employed by the retailer he offended against. In Auckland, Kotahi te Whakaaro, brings together government and non-government organisations. It works alongside whānau to support tamariki and rangatahi who have offended, to prevent further offending. They look across housing, schooling, health and financial challenges and put supports in place. We heard about significant reductions in reoffending, with one rangatahi telling us 'I think stealing is just an idiot move now'. In Porirua, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira has built a strong relationship with Oranga Tamariki. They reported that a combination of early intervention initiatives for whānau who come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki has resulted in a 21 percent reduction in renotifications (reports of concern) – to the lowest rate in Porirua in four years. 'Before tamariki and rangatahi come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki they will have been seen by education and health staff and the parents may be known to social housing and welfare. It should not take offending, or an incident of abuse or neglect to get the support that was always needed,' says Mr Jones. For this report, we looked at the performance under the Oranga Tamariki Act – this Act places specific obligations on Police and Oranga Tamariki. It is clear there are opportunities to do better and this report highlights some of those. 'Data shows that tamariki and rangatahi Māori in the system today have similar hopes and aspirations for their future as those not in system. As one rangatahi we met with told us they'd 'just like to grow up successful and, if I find the right person, to give my kids what I couldn't have',' Mr Jones said. Read the report on our website Aroturuki Tamariki – the Independent Children's Monitor checks that organisations supporting and working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, are meeting their needs, delivering services effectively, and improving outcomes. We monitor compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations, including the National Care Standards. We also look at how the wider system (such as early intervention) is supporting tamariki and rangatahi under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act. Aroturuki Tamariki works closely with its partners in the oversight system, Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People's Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Scoop
2 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Advocates Call On Government To Act As Independent Children's Monitor Reveals Poorer Outcomes For Māori In Care
Press Release – VOYCE Whakarongo Mai VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has been advocating for care experienced tamariki since 2017, and CEO Tracie Shipton says unfortunately the report confirms what the organisation already knew. 'How Many More Reports Will It Take?' As the first Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children's Monitor report into outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori in care is released, care experienced advocates are questioning how to get policy makers to put politics aside and put children first. 130 young Māori and 1600 others who support them including whanau, caregivers, social workers and teachers informed the report, which revealed that while most tamariki Māori and their whānau have no involvement in the Oranga Tamariki system, when they do they're over-represented and being let down. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has been advocating for care experienced tamariki since 2017, and CEO Tracie Shipton says unfortunately the report confirms what the organisation already knew. 'Aroturuki Tamariki have captured the experiences and perspectives of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and professionals which has been shared in the hope of making a difference. They have dug deep into the data that surrounds young people's lives and tried to bring meaning to what it's telling us.' 'Unsurprisingly, they found that tamariki and rangatahi Māori are overrepresented in every part of the care system, and the deeper into the care system we look the greater this overrepresentation becomes. The least we can do to acknowledge them is to act on the information they've share in a timely fashion.' The report also found a number of missed opportunities to intervene and invest earlier in these young people's lives to change and improve their outcomes. '92% of tamariki referred for a Youth Justice Family Group Conference had a previous care and protection concern raised, just think what difference could have been made if they were offered more support following that initial notification.' 'Tamariki are ending up in Youth Justice interventions because we, the system and community, have not been able to address their early care and protection needs.' VOYCE Care-Experienced Youth Participation Advisor Cameron McKay says the report reiterates the known link between adversity, trauma, discrimination, and so-called 'behavioural problems' in our young people. 'I think it's important these findings are brought into conversations about the shift toward punitive approaches to youth offending. The evidence is clear; address the issues that lead to youth offending in the first place, and stop criminalising traumatised and disenfranchised tamariki.' 'The report highlights the need to invest more into early intervention, frontline services, holistic/wraparound support, and iwi and community led initiatives.' Among the grim findings there was a glimmer of positivity, that tamariki and rangatahi were hopeful for their future, but more could and should be done to help them realise these aspirations. 'The fact that our tamariki Māori feel aspirational and hopeful despite everything is a small salve, however this speaks more to their resilience and world view, than it does the system, as these aspirations are often unrealised, not by fault of our tamariki.' Shipton agrees, and says this isn't the first report to tell us these things. 'Aroturuki Tamariki should be commended for their tenacity in seeking the views of young people at all times, but how many more reports and recommendations do we need before we start to see change?' She wants to see the various agencies that work with young people to start making a difference and stop scrapping about who is responsible for which piece of the puzzle. 'How do we get our decision makers and leaders around the table to agree on a pathway forward based on the evidence of what is best for our tamariki rather than ideology or politics?' 'Something has to change.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Systemic Change Crucial So That All Mokopuna Māori Thrive
Press Release – Mana Mokopuna The new report published today by my colleagues Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Childrens Monitor shows the urgent need for systemic change at a collective level, so that all mokopuna Mori can thrive. In light of a new report published today about outcomes for mokopuna Māori and whānau in the oranga tamariki system, the Chief Children's Commissioner is emphasising that all mokopuna Māori have the right to grow up safe and well with their whānau. 'The new report published today by my colleagues Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children's Monitor shows the urgent need for systemic change at a collective level, so that all mokopuna Māori can thrive. 'I want to see all agencies across the oranga tamariki system working better together to address the inequities highlighted in this report so that all mokopuna Māori are flourishing in their lives, in the care of their whānau. The State has duties to uphold the rights of mokopuna Māori as tangata whenua under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This new report shows that the system as a whole is still falling short of this, and that there are intergenerational impacts playing out right now. 'I meet frequently with whānau Māori and their mokopuna, iwi and hapū across the motu. They tell me it is whānau-led, iwi, hapū and kaupapa Māori approaches that are helping to strengthen whānau, keep mokopuna safe, and growing continued pathways to mana motuhake – self determination. The findings of this report back this up,' says Dr Achmad. The Chief Children's Commissioner notes that the report shows that good progress can be made where there is genuine partnership between Māori and State agencies that keeps mokopuna and whānau central, along with the sharing of data and resources. 'I want to see these approaches strengthened and expanded so they deliver enduring wraparound services and supports for all mokopuna and whānau who need them. A stronger focus on by Māori for Māori prevention and early intervention is essential. These approaches will improve outcomes so that all mokopuna Māori grow up safe and well in the care of their whānau, connected to their whakapapa.' She says safety concerns about mokopuna must be responded to appropriately and quickly, but that with almost half of Reports of Concern leading to no further action, the report shows this isn't happening. 'I want to see mokopuna Māori needs being met early, through Māori-led approaches working closely with whānau. These ways of working need to be better supported by the oranga tamariki system – the report highlights that this leads to the best outcomes for whānau and mokopuna. 'I am deeply concerned the report shows mokopuna Māori aged 10-17 are more likely to be prosecuted than non-Māori, and less likely to be referred by Police to alternative action or given warnings. The system must urgently stop criminalising the unmet care and protection needs of mokopuna Māori. 'Nearly 40 years have passed since the publication of Pūao-te-āta-tū. This new report shows that the system is still not working as it should be for whānau Māori and their mokopuna. The crucial change that is required must collectively meet the aspirations of whānau and mokopuna Māori,' says Dr Achmad.
