Oranga Tamariki Performance Improves as Child Protection Targets Show Progress

Minister for Children Karen Chhour said the progress reflects a renewed focus on the agency’s core mission: protecting vulnerable children and supporting young people at risk.

New data from Oranga Tamariki shows measurable improvements in several key child protection indicators, with the government reporting stronger engagement with children in care, fewer incidents of harm in state residences, and reductions in serious youth offending.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour said the progress reflects a renewed focus on the agency's core mission: protecting vulnerable children and supporting young people at risk.

Stronger Focus on Child Safety Delivering Results

Chhour said reforms aimed at refocusing Oranga Tamariki on frontline child protection work are beginning to produce positive outcomes.

"The latest data shows significant improvement in performance against vital targets, leading to safer children and communities," she said.

"Oranga Tamariki has been refocused on what matters most – the care and protection of children – and this commonsense approach is bearing fruit."

According to the latest quarterly performance results, 97 percent of children in care were visited by a social worker within the required timeframe, demonstrating improved engagement with young people and closer monitoring of their wellbeing.

Regular visits are considered a critical safeguard in the child protection system, ensuring that children's living conditions, emotional needs and safety concerns are actively assessed.

Improvements in Caregiver Support and Standards

The agency has also recorded improvements in compliance with the National Care Standards (NCS), which set out requirements for how children in care must be supported.

Compliance with caregiver support plans increased by eight percent in the latest quarter, indicating stronger support for foster caregivers and family placements.

These plans help ensure caregivers receive the guidance, resources and oversight necessary to provide stable and safe environments for children placed in their care.

Reduction in Youth Offending and Harm in State Residences

Officials also reported a significant drop in the number of children and young people involved in serious and persistent offending since June 2024.

At the same time, incidents of harm involving children living in state care residences have fallen by 14 percent, suggesting improvements in safety measures within those facilities.

"Young people are turning their lives around and being kept safer while doing so," Chhour said.

Rising Reports of Concern Reflect Public Awareness

Despite the improvements, the minister acknowledged that the system continues to face pressure due to historically high levels of reports of concern, where members of the public alert authorities to potential risks facing children.

These reports are a key entry point into the child protection system but have created challenges in responding within the desired "gold standard" timeframes.

"Historically high reports of concern show that the public are stepping up and speaking out when they see concerning behaviours," Chhour said.

"I thank everyone who comes forward, but it has made responding to these reports within a gold standard timeframe more challenging."

Investment in Technology and Workforce Expansion

To address these pressures, the government has committed $68 million to new case management technology, designed to streamline administrative work and allow social workers to spend more time directly supporting children and families.

The ministry has also expanded its workforce.

According to the minister, twice as many social workers were recruited last year compared to the number who left the organisation, helping to strengthen frontline capacity.

Additional funding has also been directed toward professional training and support programs for staff.

Shortage of Supported Accommodation Remains a Challenge

One area that still requires significant improvement is the shortage of supported accommodation placements for young people, particularly those with complex needs.

Chhour said addressing this issue will require stronger collaboration between multiple government agencies responsible for housing, social services and youth justice.

"There are still not enough supported accommodation places available to young people," she said.

"Addressing this will take multiple government agencies working better together, something my colleagues and I are committed to achieving."

Ongoing Reform of the Child Protection System

Chhour said improving child protection outcomes has been a personal priority since entering politics and that reform of Oranga Tamariki remains ongoing.

"Our children's system is complex, and while in Opposition I was clear that Oranga Tamariki was not focused properly, with too many children falling between the cracks," she said.

"I am committed to fixing this. It is my sole reason for entering politics and I remain focused on child protection above all else."

While acknowledging more work remains, the minister said the latest performance data shows the system is moving in the right direction.