A report by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children.

This is an external process evaluation report of a pilot project being carried out in three New Zealand sites entitled ‘Enhancing Tamariki and Whānau Participation in Decision Making’, by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit for Oranga Tamariki. The kairāranga-a-whānau initiative sits within the framework of ‘enhancing tamariki and whānau participation in decision-making’. It is one of a suite of ‘Early Enhancements’ that Oranga Tamariki introduced under the 4 year ‘Transformational Change Programme’. The Early Enhancements are aiming to achieve tangible improvements for Māori tamariki and whānau within Oranga Tamariki’s areas of responsibility and generate momentum for long term change.

The evaluation research sought to understand: i) how whakapapa research, whānau searching, and hui-a-whānau are operating in practice on the ground at evaluation sites through the different implementation models; ii) how the kairāranga role supports tamariki and whānau participation in decision making, particularly through the use of cultural practices; and iii) the experiences of tamariki and whānau with the services in terms of finding them meaningful, feeling supported and whether there is an overall improved quality of service as seen by them. (From the document).

The pilot has been in place since January 2017. An evaluation of the pilot was commissioned in June 2017 to examine the implementation of the iwi-led FGC model in particular how well the pilot has been implemented; whether the pilot has improved whānau engagement in FGCs and to what extent youth and their whānau and victims have experienced positive change. The evaluation concluded in July 2018. (From the document).

This report informs the Specialist Māori Roles synthesis presentation (#6441). Access the website for the synthesis presentation and related research. Record #6444