Royal Commission of Inquiry – information for caregivers

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-Based Institutions is looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care in Aotearoa New Zealand between the years 1950-99. They may also listen to survivor experiences before and after these dates.

We want to make sure you, and the tamariki in your care, know where to go to find out more. 

• A Royal Commission is a public inquiry, generally reserved for the most serious issues of public importance. It’s fully independent and the Commissioners decide how to run it.
• The Abuse in Care Inquiry was set up in response to the calls made for several years, by individuals and groups in Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad, for an independent inquiry into abuse in care. It follows inquiries into similar issues in other countries, including Australia, Canada and Scotland.
• The Inquiry is examining the historical abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults in State care, and in the care of faith-based institutions.
• The Commission began its investigations in January 2019 and its final report is due by 30 June 2023.
• Its focus is on the period from 1950 to 1999  and can make recommendations to help avoid future abuse based on the lessons of the past, and to improve redress systems. To inform those recommendations, the Inquiry can continue to hear from survivors about issues and experiences up to the present day.

Our role includes responding to requests for information, attending public hearings and working with other government agencies to support the Royal Commission.

While the Inquiry will focus on the 1950s through to the1990s, it has the ability to hear from children and young people who were in care after 1999, or who are currently in care.

It’s really important we’re made aware of any current safety concerns for children in care.

The Royal Commission will keep the public informed, and we’ll keep our website updated as the Inquiry progresses.

Information on the Inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, can be found on the Royal Commission's website. 

Note: The terms of reference were amended in 2021.

Public hearings will be held throughout the Inquiry. Through public hearings the Inquiry will hear evidence and information about abuse in State care and faith-based institutions. More information can be found on the About section of the Abuse in Care – Royal Commission of Inquiry website.

You can contact the Royal Commission at:

• contact@abuseincare.org.nz
• or freephone 0800 222 727

If you have specific questions about our role in the Inquiry, you can contact us at:

• enquiry@ot.govt.nz
• our general enquiry line: 0508 326 459
• or via the 24/7 Caregiver Guidance and Support line: 0508 227 377

Visit the Royal Commission website