Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children is New Zealand’s government agency dedicated to protecting and supporting children and young people whose wellbeing is at significant risk of harm, now or in the future. Guided by the belief that children can flourish when they have a nurturing environment and supportive people around them, it works with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and communities to promote safety and wellbeing.

Its services include support for families, intensive responses for Māori whānau, care and protection family group conferences, and support programmes. The agency provides information and services for children in care, and recruits and supports caregivers with guidance, resources and financial help. In youth justice, it facilitates family group conferences, supports victims, and operates youth justice residences and community homes. Its adoption services cover adopting in New Zealand or overseas, placing a child for adoption, and finding birth families.

Oranga Tamariki also works with providers and partners, offers resources for practitioners, and contributes to national efforts to address family and sexual violence.