52442 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children

52442 (2024). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Children: What provisions, if any, has Oranga Tamariki made to "safely transition tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau receiving the services to another service", in instances, if any, where another suitable service does not exist in the area?

Hon Karen Chhour: It is my expectation that funding decisions have had regard to alternative services. I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that plans are being developed with providers, or are in place, to safely transition all tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau where required to other social services within the region. I am further advised Oranga Tamariki has also made provision to support the wind-down of services. This will include ensuring that important interventions are still in place for whānau through this period, while they work with providers and that an important part of this process will be the provider’s own assessment of client needs. There are some services that will be discontinued as they do not align with Oranga Tamariki core business. I have been clear that core business for Oranga Tamariki to prioritise is high-risk young people, including statutory services such as Youth Justice, Care & Protection, Transition Services and family violence sexual violence services.