Published June 2021

The number of tamariki supported by Unsupported Child Benefit (UCB), where there have been Reports of Concern to Oranga Tamariki, has been increasing since 2006. At the same time there has been a decrease in entries to Oranga Tamariki care. Using a small sample, we explored the nature of these whānau care arrangements. Our study found that UCB was supporting whānau with complex issues to provide care, without which, there would likely be a need for further intervention by Oranga Tamariki. In many cases, the change in caregiver had been organised by whānau themselves and there was no prolonged engagement with Oranga Tamariki. There was little assessment of caregivers and support discussion were limited. Although whānau act decisively to develop their own solutions, they do appear under served, with stretched resources and insufficient support plans to sustain care into the future. Unlike care that is arranged through the permanency policy for tamariki in care, there is no mechanism within Oranga Tamariki to help caregivers deal with unforeseen circumstances, without re-engagement with Oranga Tamariki. Without proper conversations about caregiver and tamariki needs and without access to a readily accessible funding stream, for unforeseen circumstances, these care arrangements may become unstable in the longer term. While there is general support available through the Early Response Strategy and some limited support through the Work and Income Extraordinary Care Fund, there may still be a need for whānau to have ways to access flexible individualised packages to meet tamariki needs as they emerge. (From the report).

In related information, see the 2-page infographic "What is happening with entries into care?" covering the 3 years 2017 to 2020. See the website for other related reports. Record #7198