Feedback and complaints report

The purpose of the evaluation was to identify any difficulties posed by the Child, Youth and Family (CYF) feedback and complaints system.

The Evidence Centre’s evaluation team conducted 18 interviews with 25 stakeholders from CYF/Ministry of Social Development and external agencies and organisations.

The evaluation findings have helped inform the design and delivery of the feedback and complaints system used by Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children.

Key findings from the report included: 

• Social workers and CYF do not have a ‘customer service’ focus.
• The new system needs to ensure there is clear action in response to feedback or a complaint.
• The new system needs to encourage child-centredness and show greater cultural responsiveness.
• In order for Oranga Tamariki to develop a learning culture, the organisation needs to see mistakes as opportunities.
• Good practice feedback and complaints systems should incorporate continuous learning, providing positive learning opportunities and experiences for social workers and the organisation.This needs to happen alongside improving capability, capacity, and usability of the feedback and complaints system.