Oranga Tamariki Modernizes Technology to Improve Support for Families and Social Workers

Major Technological Upgrades to Enhance Support for Social Workers, Families, and Young People.

In a significant move to enhance child welfare services, Oranga Tamariki is undergoing a major technological upgrade aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and collaboration among social workers, families, and young people. This development, backed by a $68.5 million funding boost over four years from Budget 2024, will ensure that frontline staff have access to modern, fit-for-purpose tools that will help streamline administrative processes and enhance service delivery.

Enhancing Social Worker Efficiency

Children's Minister Karen Chhour emphasized the importance of equipping social workers with modern technology to allow them to focus on their core mission—supporting children and families.

"Until now, social workers and other practice staff have been forced to use outdated, 20-year-old systems for administration tasks. These upgrades will free up their time, enabling them to spend more time engaging directly with families and young people," said Minister Chhour.

Better Support for Young People and Families

Young people in care will benefit from these upgrades as the new system ensures that critical information about their routines, needs, and life experiences is properly recorded and easily accessible. The improvements will facilitate greater transparency and participation in decision-making processes, empowering young people to have more control over their futures.

"This investment will improve the way children, families, and social workers collaborate, ensuring that young people are heard and that agencies work together effectively for their well-being," Chhour added.

Improving Information Management and Protection

The new case management system will also address long-standing concerns about record-keeping. Past reports, including those on abuse in state care, have highlighted the issue of fragmented and lost records. The modernized system will safeguard records, ensuring they remain intact and easily retrievable when needed.

"The records of our young people are sacred. It is unacceptable for them to be lost or fragmented over time. This upgrade will ensure that children in care can access their records to make sense of their experiences and maintain their life stories," said Minister Chhour.

Streamlining Collaboration with Service Providers

A key feature of the upgraded technology is its ability to improve collaboration with service provider partners. By making it easier to securely share personal information, such as a child's routine and specific needs, the system will strengthen partnerships between Oranga Tamariki and external service providers, ultimately enhancing the well-being of children in care.

Implementation Timeline

The upgraded technology is set to be operational within the next 12 months, if not sooner. The government remains committed to ensuring that frontline workers have the tools they need to make the most meaningful impact on children, families, and caregivers.

"This investment is a game-changer for social workers, families, and young people. By removing technological barriers, we are enabling our frontline workforce to focus on what truly matters—making a real difference in the lives of children and families," Minister Chhour concluded.