Part 5: Supporting tamariki and rangatahi during care transitions

Return or remain home

The number of tamarikiClosetamariki
Children (plural) aged 0-13 yearsView the full glossary and rangatahiCloserangatahi
Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary who spent time in return or remain home placements has remained steady over the last three years. Around two-thirds were in return home placements and around one-third in remain home placements in the last reporting period. 

There were 890 tamariki and rangatahi in return or remain home placements in 2024/25

More tamariki and rangatahi are being abused or neglected when they return home

Rates of abuse or neglect increased again this year. There has been an increase in the number of tamariki suspected to have experienced abuse, the number of findings of abuse and the proportion of the return or remain home cohort who have a finding of abuse or neglect.

Tamariki and rangatahi who return or remain home are at an increased risk of abuse. Tamariki and rangatahi often have complex care histories and some are disabled, placing increased pressure on their parents. Unlike other care settings, some tamariki and rangatahi are remaining in or returning to a care arrangement where care and protection concerns have been substantiated.

The number of tamariki and rangatahi abused or neglected when returned home has continued to increase

An increasing proportion of tamariki and rangatahi in return or remain home care are abused or neglected

The increase in findings of abuse in return or remain home placements was driven by an almost 100 percent increase in the number of findings of emotional abuse

Proportion of children in return or remain placement with finding of harm (12 months to 31 March)

Most findings of abuse in return or remain home placements were with parents as the person alleged to have caused abuse (either parent as caregiver or parent not as caregiver). 

Findings from the Oranga Tamariki 2024/25 Safety of Children in Care report¹⁵⁷ indicate:

• emotional abuse was primarily due to tamariki and rangatahi exposure to negative behaviours by parents or other adults in the home, often linked to family violence, substance misuse or mental health difficulties, which reduced the parent’s ability to provide adequate care
• physical abuse was most commonly experienced by tamariki and rangatahi aged 10 or over
• physical abuse typically involved slaps to the face or head, punches and kicks to the body, with visible bruising and marks in some case.

Such incidents often arose when parents did not have the skills or support to appropriately manage tamariki and rangatahi behaviour or needs, responding instead with violence.

Since the publication of our 2023 Returning Home From Care report,¹⁵⁸ Oranga Tamariki has continued to acknowledge the high risk for tamariki and rangatahi returning home. Despite these ongoing acknowledgements, little has changed in practice.

Most return home transitions are unsuccessful

Not only are tamariki and rangatahi returning home more likely to experience harm, it is also likely that their transition home will be unsuccessful. This means they are removed from the home and experience another transition.

An Oranga Tamariki appropriation measure suggests relatively few tamariki and rangatahi who exit an out-of-home placement subsequently require another out-of-home placement. This is not the case for tamariki/rangatahi who return home. Threequarters (75 percent) of tamariki and rangatahi who spent time in return or remain home placements during the year were removed from home. This is a higher proportion than last year.

A new report of concern was lodged for 36 percent of tamariki and rangatahi who spent time in return or remain home placements during the year. In almost all cases (88 percent) where a new report concern was lodged, tamariki and rangatahi were removed from home.

Tamariki and rangatahi returning home must be visited more

Regular visits to tamariki and rangatahi are crucial following their return home due to the high-risk nature of the placements.

Social work practice has not aligned with policy in recent years, with tamariki and rangatahi who return home being visited less than required.

Just over a third of tamariki and rangatahi who returned home were visited as required

Even for expected returns home, only 39 percent of tamariki and rangatahi were visited as required for the first month

Of the tamariki and rangatahi who experienced an expected return home, 39 percent were visited weekly for at least the first month (or to the planned frequency).

Oranga Tamariki case file analysis does not include sufficient numbers of unexpected returns home to determine visit rates with any confidence, and we have not included this data for privacy reasons.

In our 2023 Returning Home From Care report, we highlighted the lack of clear guidance for social workers. In September 2025, Oranga Tamariki updated both its Transitions Within Care Policy and Return Home Policy. Both policies clearly outline the requirement of weekly visits in the first four weeks following a return home.

Recent data from Oranga Tamariki suggests an increase in weekly visits in the final quarter of 2024/25.¹⁵⁹ We will monitor whether this shift is sustained over time.

A successful return home requires planning and support

Successful transitions home rely on strong planning and consistent support, yet whānauClosewhānau
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary are often left without either. The high rate of unsuccessful returns home also shows that more can be done to address the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau before a return home.

This year, there was little discussion from care and protection social workers about planning or facilitating a return home. Oranga Tamariki kaimahi spoke about tamariki and rangatahi returning home as an aim or purpose but with little specific information about how it was achieved in practice.

Like other transitions in care, we know that transitions home can happen with little preparation and planning. Sometimes this is because tamariki and rangatahi make decisions themselves to return home, although we note that 29 percent of those who returned home in 2024/25 were aged under 10.

“I practically do it all by myself. Initially, I was in Auckland, in a group home with Reconnect, and I decided to come here so I ran away, packed my bag and came here … I was already with nan, with no approval from Oranga Tamariki. They did not approve it. [Oranga Tamariki] eventually approved it.” RANGATAHI

Tamariki, rangatahi and whānau are not getting what they need for a successful return home

For others, the decision to return home is a result of having no other placement options. One rangatahi talked about their journey transitioning from placement to placement after multiple placement breakdowns. Eventually they asked to return home, and this was approved by Oranga Tamariki. However, the process was rushed and unsupportive and did not meet rangatahi needs.

“I was telling my social worker I wasn’t ready to go home. I told my dad I wasn’t ready, and they just chucked me back … At least make it one night and then two days … You don’t just shove them in there. Even if something has gone down, have something or back-up in place so you shouldn’t put [kids] back in a house where they shouldn’t be.” RANGATAHI

One community agency kaimahi told us that timeframes can drive the transition rather than the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

“Some are planned and there are good intentions to work nice and smoothly and yet the dates are set, so if a young person is not ready or whānau are not ready, too bad it’s set.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (PROVIDER-RUN)

Gradual and managed returns home can be more successful

Two caregivers told us about their experience of a positive return home. They described being part of the transition and having a role in helping the whānau to support tamariki, based on their experience of providing care.

“We met the family, from that transition, we were communicating stuff that works for us especially around behaviours and felt we are part of the manaClosemana
Prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status, spiritual power, charismaView the full glossary and we connect with the family. We enjoy that process because we feel we are connected with the boys.” NON-WHĀNAUCloseWHĀNAU
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary CAREGIVER

Some group home kaimahi also gave practical examples of assisting tamariki and rangatahi returning home. In contrast to the unplanned entries into group homes, we heard examples of wellplanned, gradual transitions out of group homes.

“[Transition out of the group home] depends on the social worker. Usually what happens is that we have a plan for [a rangatahi]. We will start with Sunday visits that are supervised to a day visit [with whānau] and then to weekends. So it’s like we move to shared care. We do this while working with mum and asking her how she went over the weekend while trying to strengthen those weakness areas so more often than not it works that way. We also set up a poroporoaki (farewell) for them before they leave. We get all the photos, even the embarrassing ones, and then we move it all onto a memory stick for them to take when they go back to their whānau.” GROUP HOME LEADERSHIP (PROVIDER-RUN)

“There are the dinners with whānau that increase. It will end up being one night where the kid stays overnight … It’s always tailored to the needs of the whānau. We’re going to make it four to six weeks of transition.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (ORANGA TAMARIKI-RUN)

“Once we get an ‘exit day’, we ensure they have visits with family overnight. We have a sibling group … returned to mum. We got a heads up it was coming up, they were already having two visits with mum a week, so the visit times went longer, then to overnight in the last two weeks, then they would stay three to four days to help the children and their mum get ready to transition home.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (PROVIDER-RUN)

Reducing abuse and neglect in return home care is stated as a priority, yet practice is not shifting

Oranga Tamariki has identified abuse and neglect in return home placements as a key target area in its National Care Standards Action Plan this year and has again committed to the need for a greater focus on the safety of tamariki and rangatahi returning home.

Tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau need access to the right assistance in the community. This means ensuring enough capability and capacity within the community agencies that work alongside them and that these services are well resourced.

Parents are often not getting the same level of help that caregivers receive, despite facing equally complex challenges. While Oranga Tamariki policy sets out practice expectations around support for parents, it is not as clear or defined as the support set out by the NCS RegulationsCloseNCS Regulations
(National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations 2018 View the full glossary for caregivers, nor is there a specialised workforce like CGRS in place.

Until we see improved planning that addresses the needs of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau and a sustained increase in regular visits, we are unlikely to see a reduction in harm for tamariki and rangatahi returning home.

Transition to adulthood

Like last year, around a third of tamariki and rangatahi who were in care during the reporting year, including in youth justice, are aged 15 or over. Around half of these rangatahi have been in care for five years or more.

Rangatahi are eligible for TSS if they have been in care or youth justice custody¹⁶⁰ for over three continuous months from 14 years and 9 months up until they turn 18.

Oranga Tamariki has a legislative requirement to help eligible rangatahi prepare to leave care or youth justice custody. Oranga Tamariki social workers must complete a life skills assessment, referral to a transition worker where there is consent, help rangatahi obtain official documentation¹⁶¹ and lead their transition planning.

Oranga Tamariki must proactively maintain contact with rangatahi after they leave care or custody up to age 21¹⁶² and must provide advice and assistance to rangatahi up to age 25. Rangatahi are entitled to support to remain living with or return to a caregiver up to age 21. Oranga Tamariki must also ensure rangatahi understand their entitlements under the transition to adulthood service. 

Two-thirds of tamariki and rangatahi have some planning for their transition but only around one-fifth have a formal plan

When rangatahi transitioning out of care or custody are well supported, they are more likely to experience stability and achieve positive outcomes in their lives.

Tamariki and rangatahi who have been in care or custody are more likely to experience negative life outcomes when compared to their peers who are not known to Oranga Tamariki. Data from the IDI shows young adults aged 18–25 eligible for TSS in 2023 were 10 times more likely to be on a main benefit and 40+ times more likely to have accessed emergency housing than those with no Oranga Tamariki involvement.

With the right care and guidance, they can overcome the unique challenges of leaving care or custody and thrive alongside their peers.

Oranga Tamariki data shows that the number of rangatahi who have a formal transition plan for their transition to adulthood is about the same as in 2023/24. Two-thirds of rangatahi transitioning to adulthood have had some transition planning – but this is more often than not planning activity rather than a formal transition plan.

Planning for transition to adulthood and completion of plans continues to be limited

Only around half of rangatahi aged 18 who exited custody in the last year had a record of a transition to adulthood FGC or case note that recorded a transition plan.

Oranga Tamariki data also tells us that planning activity is unlikely to be supported by a completed life skills assessment. Oranga Tamariki data suggests¹⁶⁴ that only 11 percent of rangatahi transitioning to adulthood have a life skills assessment. A life skills assessment must be completed for eligible rangatahi aged 15 or over (regulation 75).

Life skills assessments are an opportunity for social workers to identify the needs of rangatahi, their strengths and aspirations for the future. The outcome of the life skills assessment informs transition planning and must be recorded in the transition plan.

Oranga Tamariki told us the tool is now embedded in all TSS training and resources, including induction for new social workers. However, completed assessment numbers remain low.

The percentage of eligible rangatahi with a completed life skills assessment is one of the priority areas for Oranga Tamariki in its National Care Standards Action plan. While the tool is described as embedded, the limited training and ongoing low completion numbers suggest it is not yet being treated as a priority.

Life skills assessment numbers continue to fall

Comprehensive planning helps rangatahi transition well to independence

The importance of comprehensive planning was spoken about by one group home kaimahi who said that, once the social worker let them know the details of the transition, they could focus on helping rangatahi learn life skills that would help them live independently.

“We are more in contact with the social worker, and [they] would make us aware of dates, places and times for the transition. What we were trying to do is raking up more of the life skills like learning how to budget food, how to shop for food and how to use public transport. Showing all these things that before he transitioned out and modelling this is what we do as adults and give him the best basic skills as possible, and I do feel like it did help him. For example, we had a young person who was in care for a really long time, so he needed this. And when he wanted to study, we were preparing him and making sure he knows you have to do things on your own. You wanna prepare them as best as you can.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (PROVIDER-RUN)

Two kaimahi from a provider-run group home also spoke about the importance of planning for rangatahi transitioning to adulthood. They said that extensive planning took place between them, Oranga Tamariki and whānau, and in one example, a six-month care extension was arranged to better prepare a rangatahi to transition to adulthood.

“There was a lot of planning with Oranga Tamariki and the HCN hub in preparation for [rangatahi] moving. They agreed for [rangatahi] to stay a further six months after turning 18 [in the group home]. There were services here and other services … to pick up support for [rangatahi]. [Afterwards, rangatahi] stayed in the area. [Rangatahi] has good connections, [Youth One Stop Shop], GP, transition worker and a range of different providers … It was really tough to find good accommodation that will last … [but] two years after leaving here, [rangatahi is] in the same accommodation, [rangatahi] completed a qualification and has part-time work. It was just that it fell into place.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (PROVIDER-RUN)

“We are like a ‘well to do’ family. There are no issues about things like the food budget. When the last two were moving [taiohi transitioning out], we made cuts to the food budget for it to be a little more real. We explained here’s what you will get [money] and how much it will be for rent and your food budget. When you get this much, what can you afford? It isn’t going to be roast duck. It is tough. Like their own whānau, we want to give the best, and we are also really well aware our young people don’t have the luxury of somewhere to bounce back to. They need support to look after their rental property, manage their tenancy and often can’t come home to mum and dad and not able to come to us when we have someone else living in our whare. We spend a lot of time thinking about are we doing enough to have taiohi stand on their own two feet.” GROUP HOME KAIMAHI (PROVIDER-RUN)

Transition to adulthood FGCs are no longer a requirement despite being an important opportunity for rangatahi

Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and transition workers told us that a transition to adulthood FGC is an opportunity for rangatahi and whānau to take ownership of decision making leading up to a transition to adulthood and an important opportunity for planning and information sharing between professionals.

FGCs were previously required for all rangatahi transitioning to independence unless there was good reason one should not take place. Recent changes to practice guidance mean an FGC is no longer a requirement. Planning for transition may still happen by way of an FGC, but a huiClosehui
Meeting, gatheringView the full glossary-ā-whānau or family meeting may also be used. Oranga Tamariki has explained that this allows flexibility in how meetings occur, acknowledging that similar outcomes can be achieved in different ways. While there has been a change to what is required in practice, data shows that the level of planning remains low.

Professionals have mixed views about the change

In our regional engagements, we heard mixed views about how planning for transitions to adulthood occurs. In the Bay of Plenty, we heard that, when done well, the transition to adulthood FGC process is an opportunity for rangatahi to be guided to take ownership of their own future plans.

“[Family group conferences] can be really great for rangatahi, it’s [their] celebration about leaving care and they should have one … When the social worker is engaged with that’s going on with the rangatahi, it makes things easier for us, makes the referral [for an FGC] go better.” CARE AND PROTECTION FGC COORDINATOR

The FGC coordinators we spoke with in the region said planning for transition could happen earlier, with most referrals they receive being for rangatahi aged 16–17. Within the transition to adulthood process, planning opportunities begin when rangatahi are aged 15, and a comprehensive plan should be in place by age 17 and 6 months.

Around half of the transition workers we spoke with in Greater Wellington spoke negatively about the changed practice guidance. One transition worker said they felt like the process had been diluted over time with a less formal meeting accepted, undermining the weight and protections of an FGC.

“The other important thing is the process … family group conferences that involve all the professionals … we kind of work off that plan and it is a plan that is accountable to the court. [But] then it gets downgraded, two years into [TSS starting up]. ‘Oh well, if there isn’t a family group conference, we can just have a whānau hui.’ We get a referral, but it’s like, what about the family group conference, [Oranga Tamariki] just say, no, don’t worry. [A transition to adulthood family group conference] gives rangatahi hope for a future and that there is a future. If we have a [whānau] hui, they just put us into a small office, a crappy environment. It’s little things like that in terms of the process.” TRANSITION WORKER

A few transition workers we spoke with in the Bay of Plenty said that it was “real hit and miss” whether a transition to adulthood FGC would be convened.

“Very few transitional plans for FGCs, we ask our rangatahi do you know what a transition FGC is? They didn’t know what a transition FGC was. I’m sorry, before you have a kid discharged, we need to have an FGC first. It’s real hit and miss here.” TRANSITION WORKER

One supervisor in Te Tai Tokerau said that rangatahi prefer whānau plans developed at hui-a-whānau rather than an FGC plan for transition to adulthood. This is similar to what we heard from a TSS provider in Te Tai Tokerau who told us rangatahi “hate the word FGC” as a result of past experiences.

“We’re [on to it] with doing referrals [for transitions to adulthood]. Most of the time, rangatahi just want a whānau plan, not a [transition to adulthood] FGC.” ORANGA TAMARIKI SITE LEADERSHIP

More rangatahi are being offered referrals to TSS again this year

Although overall transition planning is poor, Oranga Tamariki social workers are referring more rangatahi to TSS.

While there is a continued increase in referrals to the transition support service, nearly one-quarter of rangatahi are still not offered a referral

More rangatahi are being offered referral to the transition support service at age 16 but more than one-third are not

There has been an increase in the proportion of rangatahi in most age groups who have been offered a referral to a TSS provider since last year. However, there remain significant proportions of rangatahi aged 17 (20 percent, approximately 90 rangatahi) and 18 (11 percent, approximately 50 rangatahi) who are eligible for TSS who have not yet been offered a referral to a provider.

With some coordinated, concerted effort, it should be possible to make sure that all rangatahi are offered a referral.

Rangatahi engaged with the transition support service continue to find it helpful

Almost all the rangatahi we spoke with about transitioning to adulthood said they were working with a transition worker. Like last year, rangatahi engaged with TSS were positive about their experiences. Rangatahi told us they appreciate the open communication they have with transition workers, feeling heard and having a voice in their transition planning.

“As I get older, I’m more independent with finance and stuff. [Challenge 2000 transition worker] will reach out to me, [checking] do you need anything? Yeah, I need some more fuel vouchers! It’s nice to know I’ve got someone. He genuinely gives a shit about people. I worked with him over the summer, how he interacts, how he cares. He’s keen to have a coffee to catch up about my life.” RANGATAHI

“I like her, [transition worker is] here not to judge me.” RANGATAHI

“[Transition worker] and I have discussed transitional housing and decisions [in my plan] to be more focused on what I want.” RANGATAHI

“I have transition workers. I kinda said I didn’t need them but they have been helping me. I feel though that I should have put more thought into [how transition worker can help]. I have a passport and got my driver’s licence with [transition worker’s] help, plus I now have an IRD number and a bank account number. I told them I just want to focus on school for now.” RANGATAHI

“The difference is [social worker and kaimahi] allow me to be an adult so they let you step into adulthood and they’re there when you need them. [Social worker] is in my face but [transition to adulthood worker] is wanting to check in and have lunch. Being Māori, I feel like I connect with him more than my last one. Transition to adulthood started when I was 17 and then more towards 18, and I’m 19 at the end of the year.” RANGATAHI

“[Transition worker is] there to support [me] and it feels like I’m not doing my early adulthood by myself. When I walk in [to Work and Income New Zealand] by myself, I feel like a tiny as person because no one wants to listen to me, but when [Raukawa kaimahi] comes to support me, I feel like a way bigger person.” RANGATAHI

Initial analysis of IDI data by Oranga Tamariki as part of the Ngā Haerenga | Transition Journeys project showed positive short-term changes for rangatahi engaged with TSS. The project and its phase three findings strongly affirm the benefit of individualised, consistent, wraparound support for rangatahi. These results highlight the importance of social workers continuing to offer and refer rangatahi to the service.¹⁶⁶

Rangatahi who are not engaged with the transition support service must still be offered support

Oranga Tamariki is required to assist rangatahi who are not engaged with TSS. The Oranga Tamariki Transitions team attempts to maintain contact with those rangatahi through its TSS helpline.

The Oranga Tamariki Transitions team uses CYRAS data and TSS provider reporting to help identify rangatahi it has an obligation to support. Transition advisors at the TSS helpline try to maintain contact by calling, texting and emailing rangatahi and, in some instances, contacting whānau and professionals who have previously worked with them.

When contact is established, rangatahi are reminded of their TSS entitlements and offered referral to a transition worker. The TSS helpline aims to make contact on a three-monthly basis.

Most rangatahi eligible for ongoing contact were contacted by the TSS helpline during the reporting period. Given the known challenges in reaching rangatahi once they have left care, we acknowledge the ongoing work of the TSS helpline to sustain engagement.

Social workers do not fully understand their role in the transition to adulthood process

We heard that Oranga Tamariki social workers do not know what their duties and roles are when helping rangatahi to transition to adulthood. The lack of clarity indicates poor implementation. Although the service was implemented in 2019, role definitions remain unclear. Oranga Tamariki recognises this practice challenge and is taking action to clarify responsibilities with its social workers.

One social worker implied that transition workers should be taking the lead role in transition planning, yet the lead responsibility for all rangatahi support, planning and monitoring needs belongs to the Oranga Tamariki social worker.¹⁶⁷

“I’ve got a number of young people who are 16 years of age, but a lot of providers just aren’t picking up the slack. Some transition workers seemed good at the start, but some of them haven’t touched base since that initial meeting. I haven’t seen anybody really taking the lead on the young person’s transition plan. I’ve had some good experiences and some not so good. I haven’t had any experience of a transition to adulthood family group conference yet, so I want to be involved to grow my experience.” ORANGA TAMARIKI CARE AND PROTECTION SOCIAL WORKER

“Apparently, there’s people being paid for that job too, but we do it. Passport, licences, CVs, we do that shit for our kids, no one else. Even though they’re getting paid for it, we get emails saying, ‘Next week, we’ve got them signed up for XYZ [stage in transition]’, and I’m like, well don’t worry, I’ve already done it.” ORANGA TAMARIKI KAIMAHI

Some social workers are unfamiliar with the transition to adulthood process

Caregiver social workers we spoke with in Greater Wellington told us that, because some care and protection social workers did not understand the process or had competing priorities, referrals to TSS providers sometimes still happened late.

“[Social worker] can’t [refer] because they are constantly putting out fires [with the caseload of children social worker is holding].” CGRS SOCIAL WORKER

We heard from some Oranga Tamariki caregiver social workers that not all social workers know the process for referring to TSS.

“It’s a combination of social workers don’t know [what] the process is and when, and [there is] no clear communication on whose job is this? And there’s no one enforcing it.” CGRS SOCIAL WORKER

One TSS provider told us that they will go to Oranga Tamariki to get referrals to the service instead of waiting for a referral from them. The provider relies on their relationship with VOYCE for information about rangatahi who are becoming eligible.

“We have had [referrals] sent directly through to us – and not through the process. Then [Oranga Tamariki] are having a go at our process – but this is Oranga Tamariki’s process, we are following that. We have had to help [Oranga Tamariki] fill out forms. We have a good partnership with VOYCE, we have got this list [of young people eligible for TSS] from VOYCE. So we then go to Oranga Tamariki to get the referrals.” TRANSITION PROVIDER LEADERSHIP

We also heard from transition workers that some Oranga Tamariki social workers don’t understand their role in helping rangatahi transition to adulthood and they have to explain it.

“[Oranga Tamariki] just need to know their role, a lot of the social workers don’t know their role. They should be telling us what to do, not us telling them.” TRANSITION WORKER

“But is that our role? We might be a receiver for referral. Some social workers will email us directly, and you can tell they don’t know the process, so we’re having to go back to them and say this and that. We got a young person who needed housing yesterday, but it’s not our process. It is for the Oranga Tamariki social worker, that’s theirs to own.” TRANSITION WORKER

One transition worker suggested that Oranga Tamariki needs social workers who are specialised in transitions to adulthood and understand all requirements of the role.

“[Oranga Tamariki] do need social workers who are specialised in transition, [who] understand everything about it. [Social workers] deserve the support just as much as anyone else. [Oranga Tamariki] need to figure out how they make this a priority.” TRANSITION WORKER

Transition workers perform tasks beyond their role

Before rangatahi leave care or custody, Oranga Tamariki must assist them to obtain the official documentation they may need (regulation 76(c)). This includes things like photo identification, an IRD number and an original copy of their birth certificate. Oranga Tamariki data shows that this is not happening consistently.

Just over one-third of rangatahi received support to obtain identity documentation and bank accounts

Transition workers from a couple of TSS providers said that they now anticipated rangatahi referred by Oranga Tamariki would not have identification and bank accounts. Where possible, they used their individual working relationships with Oranga Tamariki social workers to make sure rangatahi had identity documentation when leaving care or planned to sort identification documentation and bank accounts, even though it was not their responsibility.

“Then also having good communication with the Oranga Tamariki social worker and making sure that the rangatahi have all their relevant information before coming out of Oranga Tamariki. So that means a birth certificate and passport.” TRANSITION WORKER

“We just dive straight into it. We look after rangatahi from the ages of 15 and 19 is our main area, we have had younger rangatahi. Even though we are not meant to take the lead from the start, we do. We do everything from helping [rangatahi] into education, to get their identification like their passport, birth certificate, driver’s licence as well as employment and housing … our biggest issues is with the lack housing for rangatahi, we do everything for [rangatahi].” TRANSITION WORKER

The manager for one TSS provider in Te Tai Tokerau said that, although their transition workers made sure rangatahi had identity documentation and bank accounts, it diverted effort away from working on bigger goals with rangatahi.

“Where we could really be getting to those good engagements and working on those bigger goals instead of those little things, we are focusing our time and effort on [identification documents] and birth certificate so they can get to the next steps of education and employment, so there is all that time for our kaimahi spent on doing that kind of stuff which could be better used on progressing them [through to adulthood].” TRANSITION PROVIDER LEADERSHIP

Transition workers in the community know where their role stops and starts. Without better understanding from all Oranga Tamariki social workers about their role in transition planning, transition workers will continue to fill the gaps.

Oranga Tamariki is making efforts to increase kaimahi knowledge about transition to adulthood

The Oranga Tamariki Transitions team’s role is to enable TSS across the motu. The team has a role in strengthening practice both with Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and transition workers in the community.

Transitions team kaimahi told us they offer general training to all Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and TSS providers when something is new in the transitions space. For example, when the new life skills assessment tool was introduced in July 2024, training was made available to all kaimahi across four drop-in sessions in the first month. However, Oranga Tamariki could not tell us how many kaimahi have engaged with the training.

If smaller changes are made to practice, dropin sessions are offered. The team also provides specific training if requested by a site or region.

In February 2025, the Transitions team introduced a letter of entitlement for rangatahi. Each rangatahi who becomes eligible for TSS is sent a letter via an email to their social worker. The letter informs rangatahi about what they are entitled to. The email also aims to prompt social workers about the actions they need to take to prepare rangatahi for transition.

In the Bay of Plenty, a supervisor told us about receiving the letters of entitlement and that they encourage their social workers to follow up on the offer of the service.

“I think [transition to adulthood is] a lot better than it was in the past. Maybe it’s more about the benefits of referring the rangatahi to [TSS]. Now we know what services are available and that they’re available until 25 years old. So, from 17 to 25, they can still get supports – I didn’t understand that before and now we get emails from [Oranga Tamariki Transitions team] and they say, ‘Hey these kids are eligible’ and do we think they’ll want the service. We encourage our social workers to follow that up.” ORANGA TAMARIKI SITE LEADERSHIP

Targeted transition support is provided to some regions

In Te Tai Tokerau, fewer eligible rangatahi are offered TSS than in any other Oranga Tamariki region. Two-thirds (67 percent) are offered a referral to TSS compared to a national average of more than three-quarters (77 percent). The Transitions team is currently engaged in providing targeted support to both Oranga Tamariki kaimahi and TSS providers in the region. Members of the Transitions team are travelling to the region as needed to provide this.

The Transitions team told us it engages proactively with agencies who provide transition support services and offers bimonthly webinar induction sessions for kaimahi from the community who are new to transitions. They said some existing providers use these for refresher training or networking. What the Transitions team hears at these webinars determines future training needs for TSS providers.

Recently, the Transitions team has provided specific training on transition planning – for example, what the plan should include – to allow providers to better advocate for rangatahi and their role in the plan. The team has also worked with the Department of Corrections to provide training on the process for rangatahi accessing transition services in prison.

Life skills assessments identify need and transition support can help rangatahi obtain things they will need such as a driver licence

A driver licence opens doors for rangatahi

Having a driver licence helps young people become independent, secure jobs and move forward in life. When rangatahi don’t have the identification they need, it makes it harder to get a job, enrol in study and access housing.

Many rangatahi in care see getting their licence as a key goal in itself and as an important step towards larger goals.

“[I] want to get my learner’s licence and buy a car. [My] aunty who is a social worker will help alongside that.” RANGATAHI

“I want a car but I need my licence. I don’t have to worry about [maintaining] the car because my brother’s a mechanic.” RANGATAHI

“I want to get [a] learner’s [licence] at 16. [When I’m] 17, I want to sit my [full] licence. [I] wanna travel the world.” RANGATAHI

“I practise my learner’s [here at Te Maioha]. [I want to] leave this place with learner’s, get a job and then a car.” RANGATAHI

“I want to have a driver’s licence. Be able to legally drive a vehicle.” RANGATAHI

Rangatahi in Oranga Tamariki care can struggle to get a driver licence

While the proportion of rangatahi holding a driver licence is up year on year for those eligible for TSS, it remains significantly lower than for rangatahi who have not had Oranga Tamariki contact. Rangatahi Māori are also less likely to have their licence.

In AotearoaCloseAotearoa
New ZealandView the full glossary, only a quarter of young adults aged 18–25 who are eligible for TSS who had been in Oranga Tamariki care have a current restricted or full licence compared to 65 percent of those with no Oranga Tamariki contact.¹⁶⁸

Oranga Tamariki is responsible for helping rangatahi successfully transition to independence. This includes helping get bank accounts, appropriate identification and their driver licence. Rangatahi tell us that some of their Oranga Tamariki social workers don’t help with getting a driver licence, while some are more proactive.

“I’m already learning the road code from my [Oranga Tamariki] social worker.” RANGATAHI

“[Oranga Tamariki social worker] helps me with driving lessons, helped me with my learner’s.” RANGATAHI

Agencies are helping rangatahi get their licence and Oranga Tamariki could help more of them connect to these services

Where rangatahi are able to access them, government and community programmes can help rangatahi get their licence. For rangatahi in Oranga Tamariki care or custody, transition workers play a key role.

“I’ve got my 18+ card and work kind of licences (Site Safe, forklift and chainsaw licence). When I was doing all those licences, there was a job course with Te Rarawa [and] Tupu.¹⁶⁹ I got to go. I got all those licences from [Tupu]. I got my driver licence from here, Waitomo Papakāinga. I got all my licences from just around here. They’re trying to help me get a full licence.” RANGATAHI

“[TSS kaimahi] helped me with my licence, bank account, ID.” RANGATAHI

“[Transition to adulthood worker] helped with my learner’s licence.” RANGATAHI

“Yeah, the path I’m on now is beyond great. I’m able to drive. I got a driver’s licence. I’m going for my restricted soon. [Tūākiri kaimahi is] helping me get my restricted.” RANGATAHI

By connecting more rangatahi to services that can help them get their driver licence, Oranga Tamariki can fulfil part of its duty to help rangatahi prepare for a successful adulthood.

“Was amazing [to get my driver licence] as now, if I get pulled over by the cops, I can just show them my licence.” RANGATAHI

If Oranga Tamariki improves planning for all transitions, this will make a real difference to the experiences of tamarikiClosetamariki
Children (plural) aged 0-13 yearsView the full glossary and rangatahiCloserangatahi
Young person aged 14 – 21 years of ageView the full glossary in care

Good planning is a vital part of a positive transition experience for tamariki and rangatahi, whānauClosewhānau
Whānau refers to people who are biologically linked or share whakapapa. For the Monitor’s monitoring purposes, whānau includes parents, whānau members living with tamariki at the point they have come into care View the full glossary and caregivers, but we consistently hear about poor planning across all transition types – for tamariki and rangatahi moving between care placements, returning home and transitioning to adulthood.

Good planning requires the right information to be incorporated and plans to be current. This needs consultation, communication and the involvement of everyone who supports tamariki and rangatahi.