February 23, 2024
Chief Ombudsman observes major failings in OT
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier’s new report on received complaints about Ōranga Tamariki from 2019-2023 has found major failings within the ministry.
Mr Boshier says common themes throughout the complaints showed a profoundly troubled organisation, which presents a challenge for the new government to stamp their mark and bring about change.
Three major areas of failure were identified in his report.
He says reports of concern are not being properly recorded, social workers were filing inaccurate and biased information to Family Courts, and the uplifting process.
“The second, which I think has a real relevance to te ao Māori is the question of uplift, search for whanau. Doing what the Act should do and that is trying to reconnect children who may be in need of care with whānau, hapū, iwi, instead of taking them into care,” he says.