Applications open for Youth Advisory Group

This is a unique opportunity for rangatahi who are in, or have been in, care or youth justice with Oranga Tamariki (or previously, Child, Youth and Family).

It will be the fourth successive Youth Advisory Group since 2015 when the first one was established as part of the review of Child, Youth and Family and the design of Oranga Tamariki.

The current Group will conclude in August after more than 18 months successfully working together to improve experiences and support for tamariki and rangatahi.

Applications are open until August 12 for rangatahi to apply to join the new Youth Advisory Group. We are looking for 10 rangatahi aged 18-24 from throughout New Zealand with care or youth justice experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for rangatahi to have their say on ways we can improve the lives of tamariki and rangatahi through our services.

These are paid positions over a two-year term, with travel and accommodation costs covered as the Group will meet every two months.

The current Group has contributed to many important projects and changes which are being implemented across Oranga Tamariki. Here are some examples from the past 18 months:

• They influenced the content in the All About Me Plans for tamariki and rangatahi in care. More than 6000 children and young people now have these plans in place. 
• They guided the Care Standards team about what tamariki might want to know about their caregiver before they are placed in their care.
• They advised the Transition Support team on ways to raise awareness about transition support so more rangatahi could access the services.
• They provided key insights which are being used to develop a more accessible feedback and complaints system for tamariki.

If you are interested in joining the Oranga Tamariki Youth Advisory Group and meet the criteria, please read the information sheet and fill out the digital application form. Once completed, please email it to yag@ot.govt.nz

Information sheet and application form [PDF, 266 KB]

Terms of reference [PDF, 188 KB]

If you know a young person who would be suitable for the Youth Advisory Group, please share this information and webpage with them.

Alternatively, you can nominate rangatahi by filling in the nomination form and emailing it to yag@ot.govt.nz. Please ensure you have their permission to be nominated for the role.

For further information, contact Awhina Buchanan, Senior Advisor, Child Centred Engagement. Her email address is Awhina.Buchanan@ot.govt.nz