The initiative tackles Royal Commission’s findings on the urgency of addressing systemic failures
The government is establishing a Child Protection Investigation Unit to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of children in state care, Minister for Children Karen Chhour announced.
The initiative comes in response to findings from the Royal Commission into abuse in state care, which highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic failures and protecting children from harm.
“The report released by the Royal Commission into abuse in state care shows us all the risk of not acting immediately when there are serious concerns and complaints about the care provided for children,” Chhour said in a statement. Chhour stressed the need to escalate concerns and respond with urgency and accuracy to prevent harm and ensure children in care are protected.
The unit will operate independently from Oranga Tamariki’s day-to-day activities to maintain transparency and prioritise the interests of children. It will be led by Janis Adair, the current Chief Inspector at the Office of the Inspectorate, who brings extensive experience in child protection and independent oversight.
Chhour emphasised that this initiative builds on recent commitments from Oranga Tamariki to improve care standards. Last week, acting chief executive Andrew Bridgman apologised to survivors of abuse in state care and pledged to demand better from the system.
The unit’s objectives include conducting thorough investigations into cases where state care has caused harm, identifying systemic failures, and working with the Crown Response Office to ensure survivor experiences inform reforms. Additionally, the unit will promote accountability throughout the care system.
“Our children deserve nothing less than a system that protects and values them,” Chhour said. This unit is a pivotal step in addressing gaps in the care system and will act with urgency to prevent harm to children in state care, Chhour added.
Adair will oversee the development of the unit’s terms of reference and operational structure by the end of 2024, with the unit expected to begin operations in early 2025.
Adair’s background includes serving as a nurse in the Army Medical Services, working as a police detective in the UK, and working with the Independent Police Conduct Authority in New Zealand. She also contributed to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in the UK before assuming her current role monitoring New Zealand’s prisons.
The government aims for the new unit to address past failures and restore public trust in the state care system.
