In the red corner
Reviews over many years have shown that our care and protection system is not delivering the outcomes for children, young people and families that New Zealanders expect and deserve.
We need to bolster three key areas of Oranga Tamariki oversight: the monitoring function, investigating and resolving complaints, and having strong systemic advocacy for all New Zealand children and young people. We also need a system that improves outcomes for Ma¯ ori, who are disproportionately impacted by Oranga Tamariki performance.
A new bill will help by establishing an independent monitor for Oranga Tamariki, strengthening the role of the Ombudsman in handling Oranga Tamariki complaints, and creating the Children and Young People’s Commission.
This new commission will replace the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, with expanded responsibilities for advocacy, particularly in relation to child participation, children’s rights, and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We know children and young people’s issues span a range of sectors, including
health, education, and care and protection. The system as a whole needs to operate effectively if we’re to make New Zealand the best place in the world to be a child.
The current Children’s Commissioner has said, ‘‘The board model is good. It brings in people from the community; more than just a commissioner thinking about things. There’s a real obligation to focus on Te Tiriti and to involve iwi, community organisations and the like.’’
Indeed, the Children and Young People’s Commission will be governed by a board that reflects the diverse skills and experience required to advocate on a broad range of issues.
It will also be more focussed. Currently, the Children’s Commissioner has key functions to monitor Oranga Tamariki residences and community services, investigate decisions, report on children’s issues, and advocate for children generally.
Proposed legislation shifts the Children’s Commissioner role from complaints monitoring to more systemic advocacy. It means we don’t have one organisation spread thinly across all those important functions, but we resource each separately.
The Government is setting a new direction for our care and protection system; one that sees Oranga Tamariki work in true partnership with communities.
The Children and Young People’s Commission will play a big role in Oranga Tamariki oversight. I know independent board members will have the mana to hold the Government to account.