Care and protection concerns for a child or young person

If MSD believes any child has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, deprived or MSD has concerns about the wellbeing of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.

Sole caregiver goes to prison or is on remand

Where a sole caregiver is remanded in custody and/or sentenced to a term of imprisonment, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.

In other situations, the following is a guide to some of the things that may indicate a care and protection concern:

• Age of the child
  The younger the child (including a foetus), the more dependent they will be on the parent or caregiver and therefore more at risk. As the child gets older it is more likely they can run away or ask for help. Children with health conditions or disabilities are more at risk with a change in caregiver.
• Baby not born
  MSD should consider the wellbeing of unborn children. An unborn baby may also be at risk of harm from adult behaviour such as violence, alcohol and drug use, poor diet, and adult health concerns.
• Stability and continuity of care
  Frequent changes of caregiver can prevent a child forming lasting relationships. There may be a history of changes of caregiver. The effect may be lessened if the change is from one relative to another who is known to the child. Whether the child will be able to maintain links with the first caregiver makes a difference to their care. Children with health conditions or disabilities are more at risk with a change in caregiver.
• Conflict
  If the parties (caregivers and/or parents) do not get on together, or there is disagreement about the child's care, the arrangement is not likely to work. Conflict could be within the household (e.g. between the adults in the home or between an adult and the child etc). Conflicts need to be resolved first. This is not the case manager's responsibility so a referral should be made in this situation.
• Concern of abuse
  Hints of abuse by parents, caregivers or their close circle of friends.
• Child is reluctant
  The child does not want to go to the parent or caregiver (this is observed, or the child says so).
• Specific needs of child
  Children and young people who are being moved because of behavioural problems (e.g. glue-sniffing, missing school, violence or offending) are likely to need special help and the parents or caregivers may need extra support.
• Caregiver overburdened
  The parent or caregiver has many children, and/or children who need extra support and care (for example, preschoolers, children with health conditions or disabilities) and another child might be too much.
• Arrangements unsure
  Take seriously any instinct or feeling that suggests the situation does not seem right, is idealistic, or unlikely in some way.