4A Well-being and best interests of child or young person.

Section 11 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 sets out that, in the proceedings of a family group conference, the written decision must set out the views of te tamaiti or rangatahi, and if those views are not followed, the reasons for not doing so.

Section 15 of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 states: “Any person who believes that any child or young person has been, or is likely to be, harmed (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, or deprived may report the matter to the chief executive (of Oranga Tamariki) or a constable.”

19 Referral of care or protection cases to care and protection co-ordinator by other persons or by court.

Under section 42, te tamaiti or rangatahi is placed in the custody of the chief executive after a search without warrant is undertaken by the Police.

77 Privilege
No evidence shall be admissible in any court, or before any person acting judicially, of any information, statement, or admission disclosed or made to any person in the course of carrying out that person's functions as a counsellor pursuant to a direction made under section 74.

Section 78 of the Act allows for the Court to place a tamaiti in the interim care of Oranga Tamariki when there are immediate concerns for their safety and wellbeing.

Section 101: in the custody of any of the following people, by Family Court order, following the making of a declaration that a child or young person is in need of care or protection.

121 Court may make orders for access and exercise of other rights by parents and other persons. Where an application is made to the court under section 44 in respect of any child or young person, the court may make an order granting access to that child or young person to the applicant.

The section 132 Care of Children Act 2004 report, is requested when the Family Court Judge requests information from Oranga Tamariki. The judge determines the scope of the section 132 report such as, who the social worker can talk with and the type of information to be included.

Section 133 reports are (Produced by a court appointed Psychologist) directed in the context of parenting disputes between parents and/or other caregivers or guardians to assist the Court in determining the child's needs and the care arrangements most likely to be in the child's best interests. The primary focus of s 133 reports needs to remain on the child.

Anyone can report a concern
This happens usually when someone believes a child or young person has been or is likely to be harmed, ill-treated, abused, neglected or deprived. Or they have serious concerns about the child or young person's wellbeing.