Voices of tamariki and rangatahi in care: Ombudsman research (2020 - 2021)

Project leads: Nadine Metzger and Annalise Myers

Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti ārahia o tātou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide us in our mahi

New legislation which gives the Ombudsman broader oversight over the Oranga Tamariki care system will come into effect in 2022. This legislation will strengthen the role of the Ombudsman to investigate and resolve complaints made by tamariki and rangatahi in care, and their whānau.   

In preparation for this broader oversight over the Oranga Tamariki care system, the Chief Ombudsman has commissioned this research to provide key insights into the design of new communications channels and content that will support and facilitate the Children in Care complaints process.   

This research was a partnership between Ohomairangi Trust and Point and Associates, and was reviewed and approved by the New Zealand Ethics Committee/Te Roopu Rapu i te Tika (NZEC20_31).

The research involved:

• An evidence scan

• Interviews with experts and professionals who work directly with care-experienced children and young people, to help us design the research activities (completed)

• An interactive survey for care-experienced children and young people

• Interviews with key helpers including whanau, caregivers and other trusted adults

• “Deep dive” participatory groups with care-experienced children and young people

One of the highlights of the research was an interactive survey which was designed to be accessible for tamariki and rangatahi who may have literacy or communication difficulties. The questions could be read or spoken out loud, and done in English or te reo Māori.