Specified child or young person

A specified child or young person is under 18 years old and is in custody under the Oranga Tamariki Act or in an approved permanent care arrangement.

This is a child or young person who is:

• in custody under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (including sole guardianship) of:
  • the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki
  • an Iwi social service
  • a cultural social service or
  • a child and family support service

or

• is in the care of a person getting Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for them and was previously in custody under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (including sole guardianship) of:
  • the Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki
  • an iwi social service
  • a cultural social service or
  • a child and family support service

This includes a child or young person being cared for by someone who is an applicant for social housing, or a tenant or an additional occupant in the household.

A specified child or young person also includes a person after they turn 18 for a limited period when:

• the carer continues to get an Orphan's Benefit or Unsupported Child's Benefit for the child or young person and
• the child or young person is financially dependent on the carer and
• the child or young person continues in education