This statistical snapshot is part of a review being conducted by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner into what needs to change to enable pēpi Māori 0-3 months to remain in the care of their whānau when Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children (Oranga Tamariki) is notified of care and protection concerns.

The following statistics identify key trends over the past 16 years and place current statistics in a broader comparative context[1]. This information does not explain what is causing the observed trends, and raises questions to be covered in the review. Over the past 16 years there have been changes in the care and protection system itself, including in 2017 when new practice standards were adopted and a new agency, Oranga Tamariki, was created. There have also been shifts in public attitudes and responsiveness to issues of child abuse and neglect.

The 0-3 month age group was selected because, of all babies in 2019 in Aotearoa taken into State custody before their first birthday, the vast majority (69 percent) of decisions by the State were made before birth or within their first three months of life. This is also an area of public interest since the high profile attempted removal of a newborn pēpi Māori from their whānau in Hawke’s Bay earlier this year. The first few months of a life are critical in forming strong attachments between mother (and any other main caregiver) and baby.

The first substantive report arising from the Office’s review will be published in March 2020 and will include whānau voices, a literature review, and further care and protection data. This report will also identify high level areas for change that will be explored further in a second report. The second report will include detailed recommendations and is likely to be published later in 2020. (From the document and website). An infographic of the data and other documents can be accessed from the website. Record #6489