Referrals

Information on who to contact if you are concerned about a child and how to make a referral.

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Table of contacts

If... Contact
You think a child is in immediate danger: Call the Police on 111
You suspect a child has been experiencing chronic child abuse or neglect, or been physically or sexually assaulted: Call our contact centre on 0508 326 459
You have concerns about a child who is at risk of abuse or neglect, and you’re a professional or practitioner in Hamilton, Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Te Tai Tokerau, Horowhenua/Ōtaki, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Marlborough: Make a referral to the Children’s hub
If you have concerns about a child who is at risk of abuse or neglect and you're a professional or practitioner in Tairāwhiti: Make a referral directly to Turanga Health
You have concerns about a child and you live outside one of the areas listed above: Call our contact centre on 0508 326 459

 

How to make a referral to the Children’s Hub

The Hub is a contact point for frontline professionals and practitioners in the following areas that have Children’s Teams: Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Hamilton, Horowhenua/Ōtaki, Marlborough, Rotorua and Te Tai Tokerau.

The Hub undertakes an initial assessment of risk and needs of tamariki and their whānau, and identifies the most appropriate pathway to address those needs. 

Emergency or critical calls received by the Hub are forwarded straight to our national contact centre or emergency services like the Police. They could also be referred to a Children’s Team or a universal service.

Making a referral is quick and easy. To refer to the Hub, you can:

Children’s Hub
PO Box 78013
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1245

   When sending the referral, clearly label it as ‘private and confidential’.

Discuss the referral with the child and family

Although you don't need to have the consent of the family to make a referral to the Hub, it's best practice to have a conversation with the family first. Families are more likely to engage with a service if they've been made aware of the referral.

Review your records and the referral form to understand what's required.

It's important the hub is given the best information available so they can complete a thorough initial assessment and identify the right pathway for the child and their whānau.

Talk to other practitioners involved

We know valuable information is gathered when professionals talk to each other. That way we get a good picture of what's happening in the child’s life. If possible, discuss your concerns with other professionals and practitioners involved with the child and whānau, and include this in the referral.

Call the hub if you have any questions

Got questions or need help to complete the referral?

Call the Hub on 0800 FOR OURKIDS (0800 367 687) Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Make sure to provide your contact details in case the Hub needs to contact you for more information.

After you’ve made the referral

The Hub's social workers will let you know the outcome of your referral. They may also call you if they need to clarify anything.

Published: March 13, 2017 · Updated: March 9, 2020