60180 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children

60180 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for Children: What number, if any, of caregivers are not police vetted before children and young people are placed in their care?

Hon Karen Chhour: I have been advised by Oranga Tamariki that the requested information is not readily available as it is not centrally recorded. To provide the information requested would require significant manual collation across agencies and I am not prepared to ask this of my officials at this time. As such, in accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 199-3, I consider that the time, and therefore the expense, of answering the Member’s question is not in the public interest. I am further advised that Oranga Tamariki’s policy requires, amongst other safety checks, that Police vetting is completed for all caregivers prior to any children being placed in their care. In rare occasions children will be in an unapproved placement prior to Police vetting being completed. This can occur, for example, if an older child in care self-places with a family member. If Oranga Tamariki believe the placement may be suitable and there are no immediate safety concerns, it could be in the best interests of the child to remain where they are while a caregiver assessment, including Police vetting, is undertaken with priority.