Normal view MARC view ISBD view

Understanding harm experienced by children and young people in care during 2015/16 : research report Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki

By: New Zealand. Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Wellington, New Zealand : Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki, 2017Description: electronic document (31 pages) ; PDF file.Subject(s): CHILD ABUSE | CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE | New Zealand. Child, Youth and Family | New Zealand. Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki | CARE AND PROTECTION | CAREGIVERS | CHILD NEGLECT | CHILD PROTECTION | CHILD WELFARE | CHILDREN | EMOTIONAL ABUSE | INFANTS | INSTITUTIONAL VIOLENCE | MĀORI | PERPETRATORS | PHYSICAL ABUSE | STATISTICS | WHĀNAU | YOUNG PEOPLE | NEW ZEALANDOnline resources: Click here to access online | FAQ about the report "In order to improve the safety of children and young people in care, insight into the extent of harm, how this manifests, and the nature of children/young people’s experiences is essential. By generating this understanding, Oranga Tamariki can undertake more focused and effective work to prevent future harm, and improve the safety of children/young people in care. Both internationally and within New Zealand, past approaches to measuring ‘harm’, or the safety of children/young people in care, have relied on findings of substantiated maltreatment. However, this approach is increasingly recognised as limited, as some forms of harm may be excluded. Given these constraints, New Zealand and other international jurisdictions do not currently have an accurate understanding of the harm experienced by children/young people in care. The harm experienced by children and young people in care is complex, and presents in diverse ways. Children/young people may experience a broad spectrum of harm, ranging from emotional distress to severe physical injury. This harm may be physical, emotional and sexual, or involve neglect, and can occur either within a caregiver’s home (or in a residence), and in the community. Harm can also be perpetrated by a range of people, including parents, caregivers, and other children/young people. In response to these issues, throughout 2016/17, an exploratory research project designed to better understand the safety of children/young people in care was undertaken. The project began under Child, Youth and Family, and has since been completed by Oranga Tamariki. The research involved reviewing the case notes of a representative sample of children/young people in care during the 2015/16 financial year. The research also applied a broad definition of harm. These innovative methodological improvements were designed to provide a more accurate and complete understanding of safety in care." (From the Executive summary). An FAQ page and media release is also available, follow the FAQ link. Record #5698Summary: The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki has produced exploratory research examining the safety of children and young people in care which underscores the need for the Ministry’s transformational programme. The report looked at the case files of 698 children and young people in care during 2015/16. It found 85 children and young people experienced an incident of harm ranging from emotional distress through to more serious trauma. This figure is higher than earlier research which had only considered harm as a serious event which could be substantiated. The Expert Advisory Panel that preceded the establishment of Oranga Tamariki noted rates of harm have been under-reported in the past. (Care refers to children or young people in the statutory custody of the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki. Children or young people can enter care in a number of ways, including through court orders or with agreement from parents.). (From the Oranga Tamariki media release). To read more on the FAQ page or the full media release, follow the FAQ link. Record #5698
Item type Current location Call number Status Date due Barcode
Access online Access online Family Violence library
Online Available ON17120003

"In order to improve the safety of children and young people in care, insight into the extent of harm, how this manifests, and the nature of children/young people’s experiences is essential. By generating this understanding, Oranga Tamariki can undertake more focused and effective work to prevent future harm, and improve the safety of children/young people in care.

Both internationally and within New Zealand, past approaches to measuring ‘harm’, or the safety of children/young people in care, have relied on findings of substantiated maltreatment. However, this approach is increasingly recognised as limited, as some forms of harm may be excluded. Given these constraints, New Zealand and other international jurisdictions do not currently have an accurate understanding of the harm experienced by children/young people in care.

The harm experienced by children and young people in care is complex, and presents in diverse ways. Children/young people may experience a broad spectrum of harm, ranging from emotional distress to severe physical injury. This harm may be physical, emotional and sexual, or involve neglect, and can occur either within a caregiver’s home (or in a residence), and in the community. Harm can also be perpetrated by a range of people, including parents, caregivers, and other children/young people.

In response to these issues, throughout 2016/17, an exploratory research project designed to better understand the safety of children/young people in care was undertaken. The project began under Child, Youth and Family, and has since been completed by Oranga Tamariki. The research involved reviewing the case notes of a representative sample of children/young people in care during the 2015/16 financial year. The research also applied a broad definition of harm. These innovative
methodological improvements were designed to provide a more accurate and complete understanding of safety in care." (From the Executive summary). An FAQ page and media release is also available, follow the FAQ link. Record #5698

The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki has produced exploratory research examining the safety of children and young people in care which underscores the need for the Ministry’s transformational programme.

The report looked at the case files of 698 children and young people in care during 2015/16. It found 85 children and young people experienced an incident of harm ranging from emotional distress through to more serious trauma. This figure is higher than earlier research which had only considered harm as a serious event which could be substantiated.

The Expert Advisory Panel that preceded the establishment of Oranga Tamariki noted rates of harm have been under-reported in the past. (Care refers to children or young people in the statutory custody of the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki. Children or young people can enter care in a number of ways, including through court orders or with agreement from parents.). (From the Oranga Tamariki media release). To read more on the FAQ page or the full media release, follow the FAQ link. Record #5698