Published June 2021

The number of entries to care have fallen significantly over the past three years, with the most noticeable drop happening over the last year. This analysis uses internal and external data sources to explore who is most affected by, and potential reasons for, the decline in entries to care. Specifically, it asks: Which groups of children are most represented in the decrease? Which ages and ethnicities? Where do these children live?; Is the decrease occurring because the children’s population has decreased?; Does the decrease in entries coincide with key events? (such as the formation of Oranga Tamariki in 2017, the reviews of Oranga Tamariki from 2019 onwards and the introduction of s7AA legislation).; Have the changes in the intakes and early assessment process impacted on the number of entries?; Has the number of carers/children receiving the Unsupported Child’s Benefit (UCB) been increasing as entries to care have been decreasing?•Have entries to care fallen because the wellbeing of children and their families increased?

This data is shown in a 2-page infographic "What is happening with entries into care?" covering the 3 years 2017 to 2020. See the website for other related reports.

(From the report). Record #7196