Complexity of tamariki interacting with Oranga Tamariki – reports of concern compared to entries to care

Using the Statistics NZ integrated data infrastructure (IDI), 54 indicators were selected as possible indicators of complexity of a child’s environment, relating to the child, their siblings, parents, and wider families service usage. This was done for children at various points of the care and protection process, and across time.

This analysis showed that children who enter care are more likely to have these indicators of complexity than children just reported to us. It was found that compared to those only reported to us, those in our care during the 2019 financial year were more likely to:

• have a sibling in a placement
• have a parent who received an accommodation supplement
• have their family involved in a family violence incident
• have a parent with correctional involvement
• have a parent or sibling with substance usage treatment.

However, there are no major changes in the proportions of tamariki and rangatahi with these indicators over the past few years, both at the report of concern stage or at entry.

This analysis sheds light on the complexities of tamariki we interact with and provides a better understanding of the services used and required for families that need support.