The purpose of the information sharing law in the Oranga Tamariki Act is to enable the gathering and sharing of information to promote the wellbeing and best interests of tamariki.
The information sharing parts of the law refers to an:
If Oranga Tamariki or the Police request information, every agency who has any information that may affect the safety or wellbeing of child, must provide that information.
There are limited situations in which the agency can refuse to supply information.
The information must not be used by Oranga Tamariki or the Police to investigate any offence.
Any child welfare and protection agency (‘CWPA’) may request information from Oranga Tamariki and the Police. Oranga Tamariki and the Police may disclose information to a child welfare and protection agency or individual if they reasonably believe that the information will;
There are restrictions on the Police or Oranga Tamariki disclosing information.
A CWPA or individual may disclose information to another CWPA or individual if the information is relevant to the safety and wellbeing of the child, children or their whānau and they reasonably believe that the information will;
There are situations in which the CWPA or individual can decline to provide the information.
Overall, the information sharing law is intended to promote the wellbeing and best interests of tamariki.
Family Group Conferences (FGC's)