60174 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children

60174 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children: What, if anything, is she doing to increase the number of caregivers on provisional assessments receiving required “close monitoring”?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am advised by Oranga Tamariki that the National Care Standard Regulations enable them to provisionally approve a caregiver while a more complete caregiver assessment takes place. This only occurs if the need is urgent and the placement is clearly in the best interests of the child or young person. The regulations require Oranga Tamariki to closely monitor the placements of children with provisionally approved caregivers. I fully support this requirement and Oranga Tamariki is aware I expect close monitoring to take place for all provisionally approved placements.