12653 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

12653 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What, if anything, does the Minister consider to be the aspect of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 that is related, if at all, to the levels of harm in return-to-home placement?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am concerned that section 7AA may have been used to justify decision making in relation to care arrangements for Māori children which has not been safe or in the child’s best interests. Oranga Tamariki Safety of Children in Care reports have found that children and young people in return or remain home arrangements are at higher risk of harm than those in other types of care.