If Oranga Tamariki is worried about a child's wellbeing, an assessment takes place or, in more serious cases, an investigation is carried out. In 2020, close to 81,000 reports of concern were made to Oranga Tamariki and about half were referred for further assessment or investigation. The Monitor said the local Oranga Tamariki offices followed up with the tamariki and whānau involved. Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers kaiwhakahaere Braden Clark said individual social workers were not to blame. "I think this is probably more a reflection on the systemic conditions that are happening within Oranga Tamariki, than individual social workers' practice."

Source: New Zealand Herald July 11, 2021 19:18 UTC