7670 (2026). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children

7670 (2026). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children: What, if anything, is being done to address the particular shortage of caregivers who are able to care for children with more complex needs and disabilities, as noted on page 79 on the Aroturuki Tamariki Independent Children’s Monitor Experience in Care Aotearoa Report 2024/2025?

Hon Karen Chhour: There is a range of work underway to support and recruit caregivers, and to create better care options for all children and young people, including those with complex needs and disabilities. This includes work related to practice development, workforce development and some technology-related initiatives. However, the primary work programme is focused on five key areas: 1. Innovative ways to support children and young people with high or complex needs. 2. Increasing the range of care and support options. 3. Flexible contracts and funding arrangements that allow children and young people to have the safe care and support options they need. 4. Delivering Crown Response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care improvements. 5. Developing a better real-time data view of placement data.