Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
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Version as at 27 November 2025
Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
Children’s and Young People’s Well-being Act 1989
Public Act |
1989 No 24 |
|
Date of assent |
27 May 1989 |
|
Commencement |
see section 1(2) |
Act name: replaced, on 14 July 2017, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children.
Contents
Title: repealed, on 14 July 2017, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
1 Title and commencement
(1)
This Act may be cited as—
(a)
the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989; or
(b)
the Children’s and Young People’s Well-being Act 1989.
(2)
This Act shall come into force on 1 November 1989.
Section 1 heading: amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 1(1): replaced, on 14 July 2017, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
2 Interpretation
(1)
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
care and protection co-ordinator means a care and protection co-ordinator appointed by the chief executive pursuant to section 423
care and protection resource panel means a care and protection resource panel established pursuant to section 428
care or protection order means 1 or more of the following:
(a)
an interim custody order described in section 78(1) or (1A):
(b)
an order described in section 83(1)(a):
(c)
an order described in section 83(1)(b):
(d)
an order described in section 83(1)(c):
(e)
a services order under section 86:
(f)
an interim services order under section 86A:
(g)
a restraining order under section 87:
(h)
an interim restraining order under section 88:
(i)
a support order under section 91:
(j)
an interim support order under section 92:
(k)
a custody order under section 101:
(l)
an order under section 110 appointing a guardian of a child or young person:
(m)
an interim guardianship order under section 110AA
chief executive means, subject to any enactment, the person holding office as the chief executive of the department
child means a person under the age of 14 years
child abuse means the harming (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation of any child or young person
child and family support service means any organisation or body approved by the chief executive as a child and family support service pursuant to section 396(3)
child welfare and protection agency means—
(a)
the department:
(b)
the Department of Corrections:
(c)
the Ministry of Health:
(d)
the Ministry of Social Development:
(e)
the Ministry of Education:
(f)
the Ministry of Justice:
(g)
the New Zealand Police:
(h)
Housing New Zealand Corporation:
(i)
every registered community housing provider (as defined in section 2(1) of the Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters Act 1992):
(j)
Health New Zealand:
(k)
every school board (as defined in section 15(1) of the Children’s Act 2014):
(l)
every early childhood service (as defined in section 10(1) of the Education and Training Act 2020):
(m)
any person, body, or organisation that provides regulated services (as specified in Schedule 1 of the Children’s Act 2014):
(n)
any organisation or class of organisation designated as a child welfare and protection agency by regulations made under section 447(1)(ga)(i)
(o)
[Repealed]Children’s Commissioner means the Commissioner holding that office under section 11 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2022
community service means any service approved by the chief executive as a community service pursuant to section 403
convene, in relation to a family group conference, means to take the appropriate steps under sections 20 and 25 (in the case of a family group conference authorised or required under Part 2) or under sections 247 and 253 (in the case of a conference authorised or required under Part 4) in order to cause the conference to meet; and reconvene has a corresponding meaning
cultural social service means any incorporated body approved by the chief executive as a cultural social service pursuant to section 396(2)
custody means the right to possession and care of a child or young person
delegate includes a subdelegate
department means the department that is, with the authority of the Prime Minister, for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act
document means a document in any form; and includes—
(a)
any writing on any material:
(b)
any information recorded or stored by means of any tape-recorder, computer, or other device; and any material subsequently derived from information so recorded or stored:
(c)
any label, marking, or other writing that identifies or describes any thing of which it forms part, or to which it is attached by any means:
(d)
any book, map, plan, graph, or drawing:
(e)
any photograph, film, negative, tape, or other device in which 1 or more visual images are embodied so as to be capable (with or without the aid of some other equipment) of being reproduced
enforcement agency means—
(a)
the New Zealand Police:
(b)
any department as defined in section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020, including any departmental agency hosted by the department:
(ba)
any interdepartmental venture as defined in section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020:
(c)
a local authority
enforcement agency office means—
(a)
a Police station:
enforcement officer means—
(a)
any constable:
(b)
an enforcement officer (as defined in section 2(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998):
(c)
any person acting in the course of their official duties (being duties that consist of or include the detection, investigation, or prosecution of offences) as an officer or employee of—
(i)
the public service as defined in section 5 of the Public Service Act 2020 (other than an officer or employee of the public service performing the functions of an agency referred to in section 10(a)(iii) of that Act; or
(ii)
a local authority
ex parte application means an application made without notice to the respondent to the application
family group, in relation to a child or young person, means a family group, including an extended family,—
(a)
in which there is at least 1 adult member—
(i)
with whom the child or young person has a biological or legal relationship; or
(ii)
to whom the child or young person has a significant psychological attachment; or
(b)
that is the child’s or young person’s whanau or other culturally recognised family group
family group conference,—
(a)
in relation to Part 2, means a meeting convened or reconvened by a care and protection co-ordinator in accordance with section 20:
(b)
in relation to Part 4, means a meeting convened or reconvened by a youth justice co-ordinator in accordance with section 247 or section 270 or section 281 or section 281B
family resource centre means any premises that provide temporary accommodation for a child or young person and any person who has the care of that child or young person, where that accommodation is provided as part of a programme designed to provide assistance to that person
guardianship has the meaning given to it by section 15 of the Care of Children Act 2004; and guardian has a corresponding meaning, and includes, without limitation, a person who is a guardian by virtue of this Act
Health New Zealand has the meaning in section 4 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
health practitioner has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
held, in relation to information, includes—
(a)
deemed, for the purposes of the Official Information Act 1982, to be held (see section 2(4) and (5) of that Act):
(b)
held by officers or employees or members of organisations or entities that are not subject to the Official Information Act 1982
hospital has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992
Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System has the same meaning as in section 8(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
independent person means—
(a)
a practitioner registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 who provides health or disability support services:
(b)
a children’s worker (as defined in section 23(1) of the Children’s Act 2014):
(c)
a person or class of persons designated as an independent person by regulations made under section 447(1)(ga)(ii)
iwi authority means the authority that represents an iwi and that is recognised by the iwi as having authority to do so
iwi social service means any incorporated body approved by the chief executive as an iwi social service pursuant to section 396(1)
lay advocate does not include any person who is a barrister or solicitor
mana tamaiti (tamariki) means the intrinsic value and inherent dignity derived from a child’s or young person’s whakapapa (genealogy) and their belonging to a whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group, in accordance with tikanga Māori or its equivalent in the culture of the child or young person
medical practitioner means a health practitioner who is, or is deemed to be, registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand continued by section 114(1)(a) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 as a practitioner of the profession of medicine
Minister means, subject to any enactment, the Minister who is, with the authority of the Prime Minister, for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act
near relative means a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister; and includes a brother or sister of the half-blood as well as of the full-blood
non-Schedule 1A offence means an offence that is not specified in Schedule 1A and that is within the jurisdiction of the Youth Court
parent, in relation to a child, includes a step-parent of the child, but only if the step-parent shares responsibility for the day-to-day care of the child with a parent of the child
permanent caregiver, in relation to a child or young person, means—
(a)
a special guardian; or
(b)
a person—
(i)
appointed as a guardian of the child or young person under section 27 of the Care of Children Act 2004, where that appointment was made in substitution for an order under section 78, 101, or 110 of this Act, or for an agreement under section 140 of this Act; and
(ii)
who has the day-to-day care of the child or young person pursuant to a parenting order made under section 48 of the Care of Children Act 2004 or because there is no other guardian who has the day-to-day care of the child or young person
psychologist means a health practitioner who is, or is deemed to be, registered with the Psychologists Board continued by section 114(1)(a) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 as a practitioner of the profession of psychology
related charge means a charge for a non-Schedule 1A offence that the Youth Court has determined under section 276AA(4) to be related to a charge for a Schedule 1A offence
residence—
(a)
means any residential centre, family home, group home, foster home, family resource centre, or other premises or place, approved or recognised for the time being by the chief executive as a place of care or treatment for the purposes of this Act; and
(b)
includes any place of care or treatment, so approved, whether administered by the Crown or not; but
(c)
does not include—
(i)
a prison; or
(ii)
a hospital or a facility within the meaning of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003; or
(iii)
[Repealed](iv)
a children’s health camp operated by Children’s Health Camps—The New Zealand Foundation for Child and Family Health and Development
Schedule 1A offence means an offence specified in Schedule 1A
secure care, in relation to a child or young person in a residence established under section 364, means containment in that residence within a locked room or enclosure with visible physical barriers
social worker means a person employed in the department as a social worker
special guardian means a guardian of a child or young person appointed under section 110 who is appointed as a special guardian under section 113A
subsequent child means a child, born or unborn, who has a parent who is a person described in section 18B
tikanga Māori means Māori customary law and practices
traffic offence means—
(a)
any offence against the Road User Charges Act 2012, the Land Transport Act 1998, or the Land Transport Management Act 2003 or against any secondary legislation made under any of those Acts:
(b)
any offence against any secondary legislation made under any other Act if the offence relates to the use of motor vehicles or parking places or transport stations
UNCROC means the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
victim has the meaning given in section 2B
well-being, in relation to a child or young person, includes the welfare of that person
whakapapa, in relation to a person, means the multi-generational kinship relationships that help to describe who the person is in terms of their mātua (parents), and tūpuna (ancestors), from whom they descend
whanaungatanga, in relation to a person, means—
(a)
the purposeful carrying out of responsibilities based on obligations to whakapapa:
(b)
the kinship that provides the foundations for reciprocal obligations and responsibilities to be met:
(c)
the wider kinship ties that need to be protected and maintained to ensure the maintenance and protection of their sense of belonging, identity, and connection
working day means a day of the week other than—
(a)
a Saturday, a Sunday, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, and Labour Day; and
(ab)
if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday; and
(b)
a day in the period commencing with 25 December in a year and ending with 15 January in the following year; and
(c)
in relation to a requirement to file a document with any court or to supply a document before a sitting of any court,—
(i)
the day observed as the anniversary of the province in which the court is situated; and
(ii)
any other day that is observed by the court as a court holiday
young person means a person of or over the age of 14 years but under 18 years and also has an extended meaning that includes some young adults for certain purposes under section 386AAA
youth advocate means a barrister or solicitor appointed under section 248A or 323 to represent a child or young person
youth justice co-ordinator means a youth justice co-ordinator appointed by the chief executive pursuant to section 425
youth justice residence has the same meaning as in section 365(4).
(1A)
In this Act, any reference to the chief executive includes a person who is a delegate of the chief executive or a subdelegate of that delegate irrespective of whether the provision in which the chief executive is referred to contains a reference to a delegate of the chief executive.
(2)
Where any proceedings are being considered or have been taken in respect of any offence allegedly committed by a person when that person was a child or young person, the age of that person at the date of the alleged offence shall be that person’s age for the purpose of—
(a)
whether there is jurisdiction to take any proceedings in respect of that alleged offence, and, subject to paragraph (d), which court has jurisdiction in respect of proceedings that may be taken; and
(b)
the proceedings taken,—
but nothing in this subsection shall—
(c)
require or authorise any family group conference in respect of the alleged offence before or at any stage of the proceedings if, at the time the conference would otherwise be required, that person has attained the age of 19 years; or
(d)
require any proceedings to be taken in the Youth Court if, at the time the charging document is filed, that person has attained the age of 19 years; or
(3)
Where any charging document is filed in the District Court pursuant to subsection (2)(d), section 322 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, to the proceedings.
(4)
Where any proceedings have been taken under Part 2 in respect of any alleged incident, the age of any child or young person at the date of the alleged incident shall be that person’s age for the purpose of the proceedings.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 2; 1981 No 113 s 50(4); 1982 No 135 s 2; 1983 No 129 s 2
Section 2(1) care and protection co-ordinator: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) care or protection order: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) chief executive: inserted, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) child: replaced, on 14 July 2017, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) child abuse: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) child and family support service: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) child welfare and protection agency: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) child welfare and protection agency paragraph (j): replaced, on 1 July 2022, by section 104 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 (2022 No 30).
Section 2(1) child welfare and protection agency paragraph (l): amended, on 1 August 2020, by section 668 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (2020 No 38).
Section 2(1) child welfare and protection agency paragraph (o): repealed, on 30 June 2024, by section 43 of the Pae Ora (Disestablishment of Māori Health Authority) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 5).
Section 2(1) Children and Young People’s Commission: repealed, on 1 August 2025, by section 25 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34).
Section 2(1) Children’s Commissioner: inserted, on 1 August 2025, by section 25 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34).
Section 2(1) Commissioner: repealed, on 1 July 2023, by section 41 of the Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022 (2022 No 44).
Section 2(1) community service: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) convene: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) court: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2(1) court: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 2(1) Cultural Authority: repealed, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) cultural social service: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) cultural social service: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) delegate: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) department: replaced, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) DHB: repealed, on 1 July 2022, by section 104 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 (2022 No 30).
Section 2(1) Director-General: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) enforcement agency paragraph (b): replaced, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) enforcement agency paragraph (ba): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) enforcement agency office paragraph (b)(i): replaced, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) enforcement agency office paragraph (b)(ia): inserted, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer paragraph (b): replaced, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer paragraph (c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) enforcement officer paragraph (c)(i): replaced, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) family group conference paragraph (b): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) guardianship: amended, on 1 July 2014, by section 6(2) of the KiwiSaver (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 42).
Section 2(1) guardianship: amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 2(1) Health New Zealand: inserted, on 1 July 2022, by section 104 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 (2022 No 30).
Section 2(1) health practitioner: inserted, on 31 January 2018, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 2(1) held: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) hospital: inserted, on 31 January 2018, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 2(1) Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System: inserted, on 1 May 2023, by section 65 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 2(1) independent person: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) indictable offence: repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 2(1) iwi authority: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) iwi social service: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(1) iwi social service: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) mana tamaiti (tamariki): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) Māori Health Authority: repealed, on 30 June 2024, by section 43 of the Pae Ora (Disestablishment of Māori Health Authority) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 5).
Section 2(1) medical practitioner: inserted, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
Section 2(1) Minister: replaced, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) near relative: amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 2(1) non-Schedule 1A offence: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 4 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 2(1) parent: replaced, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 2(1) permanent caregiver: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 2(1) psychiatric hospital: repealed, on 31 January 2018, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 2(1) psychologist: inserted, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
Section 2(1) purely indictable offence: repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 2(1) related charge: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 4 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (c)(i): amended, on 1 June 2005, by section 206 of the Corrections Act 2004 (2004 No 50).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (c)(ii): replaced, on 1 September 2004, by section 51 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (c)(ii): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 4(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (c)(iii): repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) residence paragraph (c)(iv): amended, on 1 April 2000, by section 8 of the Children’s Health Camps Board Dissolution Act 1999 (1999 No 141).
Section 2(1) Schedule 1A offence: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 4 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 2(1) Social Welfare District or District: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) social worker: replaced, on 1 April 1990, by section 35(1)(d) of the Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Act 1990 (1990 No 26).
Section 2(1) social worker: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 2(1) social worker: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) special guardian: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 2(1) subsequent child: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 2(1) summary offence: repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 2(1) tikanga Māori: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) traffic offence: replaced, on 23 July 2011, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 33).
Section 2(1) traffic offence paragraph (a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 2(1) traffic offence paragraph (a): amended, on 1 August 2012, by section 94 of the Road User Charges Act 2012 (2012 No 1).
Section 2(1) traffic offence paragraph (b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 2(1) UNCROC: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) victim: replaced, on 6 December 2014, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 2(1) well-being: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) whakapapa: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) whanaungatanga: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) working day: replaced, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (a): replaced, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (ab): inserted, on 1 January 2014, by section 8 of the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19).
Section 2(1) young person: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) youth advocate: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1) youth justice co-ordinator: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 2(1) youth justice residence: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 2(2): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(2)(d): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 7(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 2(2)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2(2)(d): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 2(2)(e): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 2(3): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 2(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 2(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 2(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
2A Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA have effect according to their terms.
Section 2A: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
2B Meaning of victim
(1)
In this Act, victim means—
(a)
a person against whom an offence is committed by a child or young person:
(b)
a person who, through, or by means of, an offence committed by a child or young person, suffers physical injury or loss of, or damage to, property:
(c)
a parent or guardian of a child or young person who is a victim within the meaning of paragraph (a) or (b), unless that parent or guardian is—
(i)
the child or young person charged with the commission of the offence concerned:
(ii)
the child or young person against whom a charge in respect of the offence has been proved before the Youth Court:
(d)
a member of the immediate family of a person who, as a result of an offence committed by a child or young person, dies or is incapable, unless that member is—
(i)
the child or young person charged with the commission of the offence concerned:
(ii)
the child or young person against whom a charge in respect of the offence has been proved before the Youth Court.
(2)
If an offence is committed by a child or young person then, despite subsection (1), victim does not include—
(a)
any other person against whom (whether as a principal or party or accessory after the fact or otherwise)—
(i)
that offence is proved before the Youth Court; or
(ii)
an offence relating to the same incident or series of incidents as that offence is proved before the Youth Court; or
(b)
any other person who (whether as principal or party or accessory after the fact or otherwise)—
(i)
is charged with the commission of, or convicted or found guilty of, that offence; or
(ii)
is charged with the commission of, or convicted or found guilty of, an offence relating to the same incident or series of incidents as that offence.
(3)
For the purposes of the definition of victim in subsection (1),—
immediate family and incapable have the meanings given in section 4 of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002
offence includes an alleged offence.
Section 2B: inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 2B(1)(c)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2B(1)(d)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2B(2)(a)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 2B(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
3 Act to bind the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
Part 1 Purposes, principles, and duties
Part 1 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Purposes
Heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
4 Purposes
(1)
The purposes of this Act are to promote the well-being of children, young persons, and their families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family groups by—
(a)
establishing, promoting, or co-ordinating services that—
(i)
are designed to affirm mana tamaiti (tamariki), are centred on children’s and young persons’ rights, promote their best interests, advance their well-being, address their needs, and provide for their participation in decision making that affects them:
(ii)
advance positive long-term health, educational, social, economic, or other outcomes for children and young persons:
(iii)
are culturally appropriate and competently provided:
(b)
supporting and protecting children and young persons to—
(i)
prevent them from suffering harm (including harm to their development and well-being), abuse, neglect, ill treatment, or deprivation or by responding to those things; or
(ii)
prevent offending or reoffending or respond to offending or reoffending:
(c)
assisting families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family groups to—
(i)
prevent their children and young persons from suffering harm, abuse, neglect, ill treatment, or deprivation or by responding to those things; or
(ii)
prevent their children or young persons from offending or reoffending or respond to offending or reoffending:
(d)
assisting families and whānau, hapū, iwi, and family groups, at the earliest opportunity, to fulfil their responsibility to meet the needs of their children and young persons (including their developmental needs, and the need for a safe, stable, and loving home):
(e)
ensuring that, where children and young persons require care under the Act, they have—
(i)
a safe, stable, and loving home from the earliest opportunity; and
(ii)
support to address their needs:
(f)
providing a practical commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (te Tiriti o Waitangi):
(g)
recognising mana tamaiti (tamariki), whakapapa, and the practice of whanaungatanga for children and young persons who come to the attention of the department:
(h)
maintaining and strengthening the relationship between children and young persons who come to the attention of the department and their—
(i)
family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group; and
(ii)
siblings:
(i)
responding to alleged offending and offending by children and young persons in a way that—
(i)
promotes their rights and best interests and acknowledges their needs; and
(ii)
prevents or reduces offending or future offending; and
(iii)
recognises the rights and interests of victims; and
(iv)
holds the children and young persons accountable and encourages them to accept responsibility for their behaviour:
(j)
assisting young persons who are or have been in care or custody under the Act to successfully transition to adulthood in the ways provided in the Act.
(2)
In subsection (1)(c) and (d), assisting, in relation to any person or groups of persons, includes developing the capability of those persons or groups to themselves do the things for which assistance is being provided.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 3
4A Well-being and best interests of child or young person
(1)
In all matters relating to the administration or application of this Act (other than Parts 4 and 5 and sections 351 to 360), the well-being and best interests of the child or young person are the first and paramount consideration, having regard to the principles set out in sections 5 and 13.
(2)
In all matters relating to the administration or application of Parts 4 and 5 and sections 351 to 360, the 4 primary considerations, having regard to the principles set out in sections 5 and 208, are—
(a)
the well-being and best interests of the child or young person; and
(b)
the public interest (which includes public safety); and
(c)
the interests of any victim; and
(d)
the accountability of the child or young person for their behaviour.
Compare: 1989 No 24 s 6
Section 4A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
General principles
5 Principles to be applied in exercise of powers under this Act
(1)
Any court that, or person who, exercises any power under this Act must be guided by the following principles:
(a)
a child or young person must be encouraged and assisted, wherever practicable, to participate in and express their views about any proceeding, process, or decision affecting them, and their views should be taken into account:
(b)
the well-being of a child or young person must be at the centre of decision making that affects that child or young person, and, in particular,—
(i)
the child’s or young person’s rights (including those rights set out in UNCROC and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) must be respected and upheld, and the child or young person must be—
(A)
treated with dignity and respect at all times:
(B)
protected from harm:
(ii)
the impact of harm on the child or young person and the steps to be taken to enable their recovery should be addressed:
(iii)
the child’s or young person’s need for a safe, stable, and loving home should be addressed:
(iv)
mana tamaiti (tamariki) and the child’s or young person’s well-being should be protected by recognising their whakapapa and the whanaungatanga responsibilities of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group:
(v)
decisions should be made and implemented promptly and in a time frame appropriate to the age and development of the child or young person:
(vi)
a holistic approach should be taken that sees the child or young person as a whole person which includes, but is not limited to, the child’s or young person’s—
(A)
developmental potential; and
(B)
educational and health needs; and
(C)
whakapapa; and
(D)
cultural identity; and
(E)
gender identity; and
(F)
sexual orientation; and
(G)
disability (if any); and
(H)
age:
(vii)
endeavours should be made to obtain, to the extent consistent with the age and development of the child or young person, the support of that child or young person for the exercise or proposed exercise, in relation to that child or young person, of any power conferred by or under this Act:
(viii)
decisions about a child or young person with a disability—
(A)
should be made having particular regard to the child’s or young person’s experience of disability and any difficulties or discrimination that may be encountered by the child or young person because of that disability; and
(B)
should support the child’s or young person’s full and effective participation in society:
(c)
the child’s or young person’s place within their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group should be recognised, and, in particular, it should be recognised that—
(i)
the primary responsibility for caring for and nurturing the well-being and development of the child or young person lies with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group:
(ii)
the effect of any decision on the child’s or young person’s relationship with their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group and their links to whakapapa should be considered:
(iii)
the child’s or young person’s sense of belonging, whakapapa, and the whanaungatanga responsibilities of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group should be recognised and respected:
(iv)
wherever possible, the relationship between the child or young person and their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group should be maintained and strengthened:
(v)
wherever possible, a child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group should participate in decisions, and regard should be had to their views:
(vi)
endeavours should be made to obtain the support of the parents, guardians, or other persons having the care of the child or young person for the exercise or proposed exercise, in relation to that child or young person, of any power conferred by or under this Act:
(d)
the child’s or young person’s place within their community should be recognised, and, in particular,—
(i)
how a decision affects the stability of a child or young person (including the stability of their education and the stability of their connections to community and other contacts), and the impact of disruption on this stability should be considered:
(ii)
networks of, and supports for, the child or young person and their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group that are in place before the power is to be exercised should be acknowledged and, where practicable, utilised.
(2)
Subsection (1) is subject to section 4A.
Compare: 1974 No 72 ss 4A–4C; 1983 No 129 s 3
Section 5: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
6 Welfare and interests of child or young person paramount
[Repealed]Section 6: repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 12 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
General duties
7 Duties of chief executive
(1)
It is the duty of the chief executive to take such positive and prompt action and steps as will in the chief executive’s opinion best ensure—
(a)
that the purposes of this Act are attained; and
(b)
that those purposes are attained in a manner that is consistent with the principles set out in sections 4A and 5.
(2)
In carrying out the duty imposed by subsection (1), the chief executive must—
(a)
monitor, and advise the Minister on, the effect of social policies and social issues on children, young persons, families, whanau, hapu, iwi, and family groups:
(b)
promote—
(i)
the establishment of services (including social work services, family support services, and community-based services) designed to improve the well-being of and long-term outcomes for children and young persons; and
(ii)
the adoption of policies (including the provision of financial support to parents, families, and family groups)—
that are designed to provide assistance to children and young persons who lack adequate parental care, or require protection from harm, or need accommodation or social or recreational activities:
(bab)
ensure, where practicable, that any services funded by the department to reduce the impact of early risk factors for future involvement in the care, protection, or youth justice systems under this Act are co-ordinated with other government-funded activities for improving outcomes for children, young persons, and families, or reducing the impact of those early risk factors so that those services and activities—
(i)
are unified under a shared strategy and set of outcomes with respect to children and young persons with those early risk factors; and
(ii)
adopt a common approach to evaluating the set of outcomes sought and, where possible, determining the return on investment by the Government in those services and activities; and
(iii)
are available to meet the needs of children and young persons of different ages and at different developmental stages, and include processes to support children and young persons to move between services and activities as they get older and develop:
(bac)
comply with regulations (relating to standards of care) made under section 447(1)(fa):
(bad)
establish, amend, or replace, after consulting the Public Service Commissioner, 1 or more complaints mechanisms to enable children and young persons, their parents, whānau, families, and caregivers—
(i)
to complain about actions or omissions under this Act or regulations made under this Act in relation to those children and young persons by the chief executive, the chief executive’s delegates, and employees of the department; and
(ii)
to receive responses to those complaints that are—
(A)
timely and fair; and
(B)
centred on the child or young person:
(bae)
ensure that the policies and services provided by the department are informed by the outcomes of cases considered by the complaints process and any reviews of those outcomes:
(baf)
develop and publish policies and practice standards in relation to the chief executive’s role in—
(i)
managing, and participating in, family group conferences; and
(ii)
giving effect to the conferences’ outcomes:
(bag)
publish information, in any form or medium that the chief executive considers will be accessible to children and young persons in the care or custody of the chief executive and their parents, whānau, families, and caregivers, summarising—
(i)
the rights of children and young persons in the care or custody of the chief executive; and
(ii)
the standard of care they should expect from the department under this Act or regulations made under this Act:
(ba)
in relation to child abuse,—
(i)
promote, by education and publicity, among members of the public (including children and young persons) and members of professional and occupational groups, awareness of child abuse, the unacceptability of child abuse, the ways in which child abuse may be prevented, the need to report cases of child abuse, and the ways in which child abuse may be reported; and
(ii)
develop and implement protocols for agencies (both governmental and non-governmental) and professional and occupational groups in relation to the reporting of child abuse, and monitor the effectiveness of such protocols:
(bb)
ensure that services are available to children and young persons who are subject to any action or receiving any service under Parts 2 to 7 (with particular consideration to be given to the needs of those in care) that provide them with an opportunity and support to express their views about—
(i)
matters that are important to them in relation to that action or service; and
(ii)
the operation and effectiveness of processes and services under this Act, for the purpose of contributing to the improvement of these:
(c)
ensure, wherever possible, that all policies adopted by the department, and all services provided by the department,—
(i)
recognise the social, economic, and cultural values of all cultural and ethnic groups; and
(ii)
have particular regard for the values, culture, and beliefs of the Maori people; and
(iia)
have regard to the views of children and young persons, including the views received by the services referred to in subsection (2)(bb):
(iii)
support the role of families, whanau, hapu, iwi, and family groups; and
(iv)
avoid the alienation of children and young persons from their family, whanau, hapu, iwi, and family group:
(d)
establish and fund care and protection resource panels:
(e)
establish procedures to ensure that the cases of children and young persons in respect of whom action has been taken under this Act are regularly reviewed in order to assess the adequacy and appropriateness of that action:
(f)
ensure that persons providing services under this Act receive adequate training and comply with appropriate standards:
(g)
monitor and assess the services provided under this Act by the department and by other organisations, groups, and individuals:
(h)
ensure that the department seeks to develop strategic partnerships with iwi and Māori organisations, including iwi authorities, in order to—
(i)
provide opportunities to, and invite innovative proposals from, those organisations to improve outcomes for Māori children, young persons, and their whānau who come to the attention of the department:
(ii)
set expectations and targets to improve outcomes for Māori children and young persons who come to the attention of the department:
(iii)
enable the robust, regular, and genuine exchange of information between the department and those organisations:
(iv)
provide opportunities for the chief executive to delegate functions under this Act or regulations made under this Act to appropriately qualified people within those organisations:
(v)
provide, and regularly review, guidance to persons discharging functions under this Act to support cultural competency as a best-practice feature of the department’s workforce:
(vi)
agree on any action both or all parties consider is appropriate:
(i)
consider and respond to any invitation from 1 or more iwi or Māori organisations to enter into a strategic partnership in accordance with paragraph (h) and subsection (7).
(3)
The services referred to in subsection (2)(bb) must operate independently from other services provided under this Act.
(4)
In this section, in care means—
(a)
placed or detained in the custody or care of the chief executive, a person, a body, or an organisation under this Act; or
(b)
remanded in the custody of the chief executive under section 173, 174, or 175(1A)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; or
(c)
detained in a residence under section 34A of the Corrections Act 2004.
(5)
To avoid doubt, a summary of rights published under subsection (2)(bag) cannot create new rights or detract from existing rights.
(6)
In section 7(2)(bad) and (bb),—
caregiver includes a caregiver within the meaning given in section 386AAA
young person includes a young person within the meaning given in section 386AAA.
(7)
For the purposes of subsection (2)(h) and (i), 1 or more iwi or Māori organisations may invite the chief executive to enter into a strategic partnership.
Compare: 1974 No 72 ss 5, 6
Section 7 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 7(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 7(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 7(2)(b)(i): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(bab): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(bac): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(bad): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(bad): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 7(2)(bae): replaced, on 1 May 2023, by section 66 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 7(2)(baf): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(bag): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(2)(ba): inserted, on 1 July 1995, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 7(2)(bb): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7(2)(c)(iia): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 6(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7(2)(h): inserted, on 8 April 2025, by section 5(1) of the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 20).
Section 7(2)(i): inserted, on 8 April 2025, by section 5(1) of the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 20).
Section 7(3): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 6(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7(4): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 6(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7(4)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(5): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(7) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(6): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(7) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7(7): inserted, on 8 April 2025, by section 5(2) of the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 20).
7AA Duties of chief executive in relation to Treaty of Waitangi (Tiriti o Waitangi)
[Repealed]Section 7AA: repealed, on 8 April 2025, by section 6 of the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 20).
7A Delegations made under clauses 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 of Public Service Act 2020 to social workers
(1)
(2)
Despite clause 2(3) of that schedule, a social worker may not subdelegate any functions or powers delegated to them.
(3)
Section 7F applies to any delegation made to a social worker.
Section 7A: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7A heading: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 7A(1): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 7A(2): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 7A(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
7B Delegations made under clauses 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 of Public Service Act 2020 to persons who are not social workers
A delegation made under clauses 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 by the chief executive of any of the functions or powers in the Act to a person who is not a social worker is subject to section 7D, and sections 7F and 7G apply to the delegation.
Section 7B: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7B heading: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 7B: amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
7C Delegation of functions and powers conferred by court order or warrant
(1)
The chief executive may delegate the chief executive’s functions and powers under all or any of sections 39, 40, 122, 157, 181, 205, or 386 to a social worker or to any other person, even though those functions and powers are conferred by a court order or a warrant that is made or issued after the delegation is made.
(2)
The following apply to a delegation referred to in this section:
(a)
(b)
if the delegation is to a social worker, sections 7A and 7F; and
(c)
if the delegation is to a person who is not a social worker, sections 7B, 7D, 7F, and 7G.
Section 7C: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7C(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 7C(2)(a): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
7D Requirements for delegation to persons who are not social workers
(1)
This section applies to a delegation referred to in section 7B or 7C.
(2)
Before making a delegation to a person who is not a social worker, the chief executive must be satisfied that, in addition to any relevant requirements of clauses 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 being met,—
(a)
the person is appropriately qualified to perform the function or exercise the power, taking into account the person’s training, experience, and interpersonal skills; and
(b)
if the person is outside the State services, the person will be bound by contractual obligations that are sufficient to support the appropriate exercise of the delegation.
(3)
The chief executive may make a delegation to a person who does not meet the requirement in subsection (2)(a) if the delegation is made for the sole purpose of that delegate subdelegating the function or power to a person—
(a)
who works under the management or supervision of the delegate; and
(b)
who is a social worker or meets the requirement in subsection (2)(a).
Section 7D: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7D(2): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
7E Subdelegation of functions and powers by delegates who are not social workers
(1)
This section applies if a delegation referred to in section 7B or 7C is made to a person—
(a)
for the sole purpose of subdelegation (see section 7D(3)); or
(b)
to whom the chief executive otherwise gives approval to subdelegate.
(2)
A subdelegation by the delegate of a function or power under clause 2(3) of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 is subject to subsection (3).
(3)
Before subdelegating any function or power to a person, the delegate must be satisfied that the person is a social worker or meets the requirement in section 7D(2)(a).
Section 7E: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 7E(2): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
7F Delegations and subdelegations to be publicly notified
(1)
The delegations referred to in sections 7A to 7C and a subdelegation referred to in section 7E must be publicly notified, and information about all delegations and subdelegations must be made available on an Internet site maintained by the department and be available for inspection at the head office of the department, free of charge, until, in any case, the delegation or subdelegation is revoked.
(2)
The information required to be made available must include, in each case,—
(a)
a description of the delegate or subdelegate, although the description need not identify any particular individual to whom the delegation or subdelegation is made but may instead give other identifying particulars, for example, the name of the specified office to which the delegation or subdelegation is made; and
(b)
a description of the function or power that has been delegated or subdelegated; and
(c)
a reference to the provision in this Act that provides for the function or power that has been delegated or subdelegated.
(3)
A failure to notify a delegation or a subdelegation does not affect its validity.
Section 7F: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
7G Immunity for delegations outside public service
Section 104 of the Public Service Act 2020 applies to a person outside the public service acting under a delegation referred to in section 7B or 7C as if the person were a public service employee.
Section 7G: replaced, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
8 Parents and others to be informed of decisions
(1)
Where any person takes any action, or makes any decision, under this Act that significantly affects any child or young person, that person shall ensure that, wherever practicable, the following persons are informed, as soon as practicable, of that action or decision and of the reasons for it:
(a)
every person who is a parent or guardian of, or a person having the care of, the child or young person:
(b)
the child or young person.
(2)
It is not necessary to inform a child or young person of any action or decision if—
(a)
that child or young person is incapable of understanding it; or
(b)
it is plainly not in the child’s or young person’s interests to be so informed.
(3)
The information required by subsection (1) to be given to any person shall be given—
(a)
orally and, where practicable, in writing; and
(b)
where practicable, in a manner and in language that the person understands.
9 Interpreters
(1)
Where—
(a)
any court hears any proceedings under this Act relating to a child or young person; or
(b)
any person takes or proposes to take any action under this Act in relation to a child or young person,—
it is the duty of that court or, as the case requires, that person to ensure that the requirements of this section are carried out wherever practicable.
(2)
The requirements of this section are as follows:
(a)
that where—
(i)
the first or preferred language of the child or young person is Maori or any other language other than English; or
(ii)
the child or young person is unable, by reason of a physical disability, to understand English,—
the services of an interpreter are provided for the child or young person:
(b)
that where—
(i)
the first or preferred language of any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person is Maori or any other language other than English; or
(ii)
that parent or guardian or that other person is unable, by reason of a physical disability, to understand English,—
the services of an interpreter are provided for that parent or guardian or that other person.
(3)
Nothing in this section limits or affects Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016.
Section 9(3): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).
10 Duty of court and counsel to explain proceedings
(1)
Where, in any proceedings under this Act, a child or young person, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child or young person, appears before the Family Court or the Youth Court, the court shall—
(a)
explain in a manner and in language that can be understood by the child or young person or other person the nature of the proceedings, including, in the case of proceedings in the Youth Court, the nature and, where the child or young person or other person is not legally represented, the legal implications of the allegations; and
(b)
satisfy itself that the child or young person or other person understands the proceedings; and
(c)
where the court makes any order under section 83(1) or section 84 or section 283, explain to the child or young person to whom the order relates and to any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, in a manner and in language that can be understood by that child or young person or other person,—
(i)
the nature and requirements of the order:
(ii)
any provisions for variation of the order:
(iii)
the existence of rights of appeal against the order or the finding on which the order is based.
(2)
Where, in any proceedings under this Act, a child or young person, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child or young person, appears before the Family Court or the Youth Court, the barrister or solicitor representing that child or young person or other person shall—
(a)
explain to the person whom that barrister or solicitor represents, in a manner and in language that can be understood by that person, the nature of the proceedings, including, in the case of proceedings in the Youth Court, the nature and legal implications of the allegations; and
(b)
satisfy themselves that the person whom that barrister or solicitor represents understands the proceedings; and
(c)
where the court makes any order under section 83(1) or section 84 or section 283, explain to the person whom that barrister or solicitor represents, in a manner and in language that can be understood by that person, the matters specified in subparagraphs (i) to (iii) of subsection (1)(c).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 40(a); 1983 No 129 s 9
Section 10(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 10(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 10(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 10(2)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 10(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
11 Child’s or young person’s participation and views
(1)
This section applies to the following proceedings and processes:
(a)
proceedings under this Act in a District Court, Family Court, or Youth Court (all being first instance courts) and proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal, or Supreme Court on an appeal (other than on a point of law only) against a decision, finding, or order under this Act of a first instance court:
(b)
the process for convening, and the proceedings of, a family group conference convened under this Act:
(c)
the preparation or review of a plan for a child or young person (a planning process) under this Act:
(d)
the taking of any other action or making of any other decision (any other process) under this Act that would or does significantly affect a child or young person who is the subject of that process.
(2)
In proceedings or a process to which this section applies,—
(a)
the child or young person must be encouraged and assisted to participate in the proceedings or process to the degree appropriate for their age and level of maturity unless, in the view of a person specified in subsection (3), that participation is not appropriate, having regard to the matters to be heard or considered; and
(aa)
except where section 10 (relating to proceedings) applies, the child or young person must be given reasonable assistance to understand the reasons for the proceedings or process, the options available to the decision-maker, and how these options could affect them; and
(b)
the child or young person must be given reasonable opportunities to freely express their views on matters affecting them; and
(c)
if a child or young person has difficulties in expressing their views or being understood (for example, because of their age or language, or because of a disability), support must be provided to assist them to express their views and to be understood; and
(d)
any views that the child or young person expresses (either directly or through a representative) must be taken into account; and
(e)
any written decision must set out the child’s or young person’s views and, if those views were not followed, include the reasons for not doing so; and
(f)
the decision, the reasons for it, and how it will affect them must be explained to the child or young person, in a manner and in language appropriate for their age and level of understanding.
(3)
The following persons must either perform the duties imposed by subsection (2)(a) to (c) or be satisfied, before undertaking any proceeding or process involving the child or young person, that those duties have been performed by another person:
(a)
for proceedings before a court, the Judge or other person presiding and the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person:
(b)
for the process for convening, and the proceedings of, a family group conference, the person responsible for convening the conference:
(c)
for a planning process, the person directed by the court to prepare or review the plan:
(d)
for any other process, the person responsible for taking the action or making the decision.
(3A)
In any proceeding or process,—
(a)
the persons listed in subsection (3)(a) to (d) must perform the duty imposed by subsection (2)(d); and
(b)
decision-makers must perform the duty imposed by subsection (2)(e); and
(c)
decision-makers must perform the duty imposed by subsection (2)(f) or, within a reasonable period following the making of a decision, satisfy themselves that the duty has been performed by another person.
(4)
Despite anything to the contrary in this Act and subject to subsection (5), a person providing support to a child or young person under subsection (2)(c) is entitled to be present at a proceeding or a meeting relating to a process referred to in subsection (1) at which the child or young person is present, to continue to provide that support to them but for no other purpose.
(5)
If the person responsible for a proceeding or process referred to in subsection (1) considers it is impracticable or inappropriate for the person providing support to be present at the proceeding or meeting, that person may not be present.
(6)
This section is not limited by section 5(1)(a) (which sets out a principle relating to ascertaining, considering, and giving weight to the wishes of the child or young person).
(7)
In this section, support includes support from a member of the child’s or young person’s family group or other person supporting the child or young person, a specialist service provider, or any other service under this Act.
(8)
A person who complies with section 66K must be treated as having complied with this section.
Section 11: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 11(2)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(aa): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(d): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(e): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(f): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(2)(f): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 4 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 11(3A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(4): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(6): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 11(8): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 15(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
12 Duty of health practitioner to minimise distress to child or young person
Every health practitioner who carries out a medical examination of any child or young person under any provision of this Act shall carry out that examination in a way that causes the least possible distress to the child or young person.
Section 12 heading: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 5(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 12: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 5(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Part 2 Care and protection of children and young persons
Principles
13 Principles
(1)
Every court or person exercising powers conferred by or under this Part, Part 3 or 3A, or sections 341 to 350, must adopt, as the first and paramount consideration, the well-being and best interests of the relevant child or young person (as required by section 4A(1)).
(2)
In determining the well-being and best interests of the child or young person, the court or person must be guided by, in addition to the principles in section 5, the following principles:
(a)
it is desirable to provide early support and services to—
(i)
improve the safety and well-being of a child or young person at risk of harm:
(ii)
reduce the risk of future harm to that child or young person, including the risk of offending or reoffending:
(iii)
reduce the risk that a parent may be unable or unwilling to care for the child or young person:
(b)
as a consequence of applying the principle in paragraph (a), any support or services provided under this Act in relation to the child or young person—
(i)
should strengthen and support the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group to enable them to—
(A)
care for the child or young person or any other or future child or young person of that family or whānau; and
(B)
nurture the well-being and development of that child or young person; and
(C)
reduce the likelihood of future harm to that child or young person or offending or reoffending by them:
(ii)
should recognise and promote mana tamaiti (tamariki) and the whakapapa of the child or young person and relevant whanaungatanga rights and responsibilities of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group:
(iii)
should, wherever possible, be undertaken on a consensual basis and in collaboration with those involved, including the child or young person:
(c)
if a child or young person is considered to be in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), the principle in section 208(2)(g):
(d)
a power under this Part that can be exercised without the consent of the persons concerned is to be exercised only to the extent necessary to protect a child or young person from harm or likely harm:
(e)
assistance and support should be provided, unless it is impracticable or unreasonable to do so, to assist families, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family groups where—
(i)
there is a risk that a child or young person may be removed from their care; and
(ii)
in the other circumstances where the child or young person is, or is likely to be, in need of care and protection (for example, where a family group conference plan provides for assistance to be given to a child or parent to address a behavioural issue that may lead, or has led, to the child’s removal from the family):
(f)
if a child or young person is identified by the department as being at risk of removal from the care of the members of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group who are the child’s or young person’s usual caregivers, planning for the child’s or young person’s long-term stability and continuity of living arrangements should—
(i)
commence early; and
(ii)
include steps to make an alternative care arrangement for the child or young person, should it be required:
(g)
a child or young person should be removed from the care of the member or members of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group who are the child’s or young person’s usual caregivers only if there is a serious risk of harm to the child or young person:
(h)
if a child or young person is removed in circumstances described in paragraph (g), the child or young person should, wherever that is possible and consistent with the child’s or young person’s best interests, be returned to those members of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group who are the child’s or young person’s usual caregivers:
(i)
if a child or young person is removed in circumstances described in paragraph (g), decisions about placement should—
(i)
be consistent with the principles set out in sections 4A(1) and 5:
(ii)
address the needs of the child or young person:
(iii)
be guided by the following:
(A)
preference should be given to placing the child or young person with a member of the child’s or young person’s wider family, whānau, hapū, iwi, or family group who is able to meet their needs, including for a safe, stable, and loving home:
(B)
it is desirable for a child or young person to live with a family, or if that is not possible, in a family-like setting:
(C)
the importance of mana tamaiti (tamariki), whakapapa, and whanaungatanga should be recognised and promoted:
(D)
where practicable, a child or young person should be placed with the child’s or young person’s siblings:
(E)
a child or young person should be placed where the child or young person can develop a sense of belonging and attachment:
(j)
a child or young person who is in the care or custody of the chief executive or a body or an organisation approved under section 396 should receive special protection and assistance designed to—
(i)
address their particular needs, including—
(A)
needs for physical and health care; and
(B)
emotional care that contributes to their positive self-regard; and
(C)
identity needs; and
(D)
material needs relating to education, recreation, and general living:
(ii)
preserve the child’s or young person’s connections with the child’s or young person’s—
(A)
siblings, family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group; and
(B)
wider contacts:
(iii)
respect and honour, on an ongoing basis, the importance of the child’s or young person’s whakapapa and the whanaungatanga responsibilities of the child’s or young person’s family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group:
(iv)
support the child or young person to achieve their aspirations and developmental potential:
(k)
if a child or young person is placed with a caregiver under section 362, the chief executive, or, if applicable, a body or an organisation approved under section 396, should support the caregiver in order to enable the provision of the protection and assistance described in paragraph (j).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 4
Section 13(1): inserted, on 1 July 2014, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 13(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 13(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 13(2): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Definition of child or young person in need of care or protection
14 Definition of child or young person in need of care or protection
(1)
A child or young person is in need of care or protection if—
(a)
the child or young person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, serious harm—
(i)
in the circumstances described in section 14AA(1); or
(ii)
having regard to the circumstances described in section 14AA(2); or
(b)
the parents or guardians or the persons who have the care of the child or young person are unable to care for the child or young person; or
(c)
the child is a subsequent child of a parent to whom section 18A applies and the parent has not demonstrated to the satisfaction of the chief executive (under section 18A) or the court (under section 18A(4)(a) or 18C) that the parent meets the requirements of section 18A(3); or
(d)
the child or young person has behaved, or is behaving, in a manner that—
(i)
is or is likely to be harmful to the physical or mental or emotional well-being of the child or young person or to others; and
(ii)
the child’s or young person’s parents, or the persons having the care of the child or young person, are unable or unwilling to control; or
(e)
in the case of a child of or over the age of 10 years and under the age of 14 years, the child has committed an offence or offences of sufficient number, nature, or magnitude to cause serious concern for the well-being of the child.
(2)
Subsection (1)(a) must be applied in conjunction with section 14AA (which describes the circumstances in which a child or young person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, serious harm).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 27(2); 1977 No 126 s 7(1)
Section 14: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 17 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
14AA Circumstances in which child or young person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, serious harm
(1)
For the purposes of section 14(1)(a)(i), a child or young person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, serious harm if—
(a)
the child or young person is being, or is likely to be, abused (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), deprived, ill-treated, or neglected; or
(b)
the parents or guardians or other persons who have the care of the child or young person are unwilling to care for, or have abandoned, them.
(2)
For the purposes of section 14(1)(a)(ii), other circumstances that may constitute serious harm, or establish the likelihood of serious harm, include—
(a)
a child’s or young person’s development or physical or mental or emotional well-being is being, or is likely to be, impaired or neglected, and that impairment or neglect is, or is likely to be, avoidable:
(b)
the child or young person has been exposed to family violence (within the meaning of section 9 of the Family Violence Act 2018)):
(c)
serious differences exist between the child or young person and the parents or guardians or other persons who have the care of them:
(d)
serious differences exist between a parent, guardian, or other person who has the care of the child or young person and any other parent, guardian, or other person who has the care of them.
(3)
For the purposes of applying section 14(1)(a) and subsections (1) and (2), serious harm may occur (without limitation) as a result of—
(a)
an incident; or
(b)
2 or more incidents that taken on their own would not be serious enough to constitute serious harm, but the cumulative effect of which is serious enough to cause serious harm; or
(c)
the co-existence of different circumstances.
Section 14AA: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 17 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 14AA(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 259(1) of the Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46).
14A Conduct outside New Zealand
For the purposes of this Act, it does not matter whether the conduct constituting a ground referred to in section 14(1) occurred partly or wholly outside New Zealand.
Section 14A: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 2 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Reporting of child abuse
15 Reporting of concerns to chief executive or constable
Any person who believes that a child or young person has been, or is likely to be, harmed, ill-treated, abused, (whether physically, emotionally, or sexually), neglected, or deprived, or who has concerns about the well-being of a child or young person, may report the matter to the chief executive or a constable.
Section 15: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 18 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
16 Providing information about safety or well-being of child or young person
No civil, criminal, or disciplinary proceedings shall lie against any person in respect of the disclosure or supply, or the manner of the disclosure or supply, by that person under this Part, of information concerning a child or young person (whether or not that information also concerns any other person), unless the information was disclosed or supplied in bad faith.
Section 16 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 19(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 16: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 19(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 16: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
17 Investigation of report of concerns about safety or well-being of child or young person
(1)
If the chief executive or a constable receives a report under section 15 relating to a child or young person, they must,—
(a)
as soon as practicable after receiving the report, if it appears that an investigation is necessary or desirable, commence an investigation or arrange for an investigation to be commenced into the matters contained in the report to the extent that an investigation is necessary or desirable; and
(b)
as soon as practicable after an investigation has commenced, consult a care and protection resource panel in relation to the investigation; and
(c)
unless it is impracticable or undesirable to do so, as soon as practicable after a decision is made not to investigate or the investigation has concluded, inform the person who made the report—
(i)
whether the report has been investigated; and
(ii)
if so, whether any further action has been taken.
(2)
If, after an investigation, the chief executive or constable reasonably believes that the child or young person is in need of care or protection, they must, as soon as practicable, notify a care and protection co-ordinator in accordance with section 18.
(2A)
If, after an investigation under subsection (1), a care and protection co-ordinator is not notified under subsection (2), the chief executive may, nevertheless,—
(a)
undertake a further assessment or provide services to the child or young person, their family, or other persons having the care of the child or young person; or
(b)
refer the child or young person, their family, or other persons having the care of the child or young person to other services provided by agencies or in the community; or
(c)
take no further action, if the investigation under subsection (1) discloses no identifiable risk of harm that could be dealt with under this Act or if appropriate action has already been taken.
Section 17: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 17 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 5 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 17(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 17(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 17(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 20 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
18AAA Chief executive may make family group conference available in certain circumstances
If the chief executive is not satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection but believes that holding a family group conference would best assist in formulating a plan to help the child or young person, the chief executive may refer the case to a care and protection co-ordinator, who must convene a family group conference under section 20.
Section 18AAA: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
18 Referral of care or protection cases to care and protection co-ordinator or youth justice co-ordinator
(1)
If the chief executive or a constable believes, after inquiry, that any child or young person is in need of care or protection (otherwise than on the ground specified in section 14(1)(c) or (e)), they must immediately report the matter to a care and protection co-ordinator, who must convene a family group conference under section 20.
(2)
If the chief executive suspects that any child is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), the chief executive may refer the matter to the appropriate enforcement agency.
(3)
Where any enforcement officer believes, after inquiry, that any child is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), that enforcement officer shall forthwith report the matter to a youth justice co-ordinator, who after consulting with that enforcement officer, and if that enforcement officer believes that the making of an application for a care or protection order in respect of that child is required in the public interest, shall convene a family group conference in accordance with section 247.
Section 18 heading: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18(1): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 22(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18(2): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 22(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
18A Assessment of parent of subsequent child
(1)
This section applies to a person who—
(a)
is a person described in section 18B; and
(b)
is the parent of a subsequent child; and
(c)
has, or is likely to have, the care or custody of the subsequent child; and
(d)
is not a person to whom subsection (7) applies.
(2)
If the chief executive believes on reasonable grounds that a person is a person to whom this section applies, the chief executive must, after informing the person (where practicable) that the person is to be assessed under this section, assess whether the person meets the requirements of subsection (3) in respect of the subsequent child.
(3)
A person meets the requirements of this subsection if,—
(a)
in a case where the parent’s own act or omission led to the parent being a person described in section 18B, the parent is unlikely to inflict on the subsequent child the kind of harm that led to the parent being so described; or
(b)
in any other case, the parent is unlikely to allow the kind of harm that led to the parent being a person described in section 18B to be inflicted on the subsequent child.
(4)
Following the assessment,—
(a)
if subsection (5) applies, the chief executive must apply for a care or protection order because the subsequent child is in need of care or protection on the ground in section 14(1)(c); or
(b)
in any other case, the chief executive must decide not to apply as described in paragraph (a), and must instead apply under section 18C for confirmation of the decision not to apply for a care or protection order.
(5)
The chief executive must apply as described in subsection (4)(a) if the chief executive is not satisfied that the person, following assessment under this section, has demonstrated that the person meets the requirements of subsection (3).
(6)
No family group conference need be held before any application referred to in subsection (4) is made to the court, and nothing in section 70 applies, but a family group conference must be held before a care or protection order (other than an interim order) is made.
(7)
This subsection applies to the parent of a subsequent child if, since the parent last became a person described in section 18B,—
(a)
the parent has been assessed under this section in relation to a subsequent child and, following that assessment,—
(i)
the court has confirmed, under section 18C, a decision made under subsection (4)(b); or
(ii)
the chief executive applied for a care or protection order because the child was in need of care or protection on the ground in section 14(1)(c), but the application was refused on the ground that the court was satisfied that the parent had demonstrated that the parent met the requirements of subsection (3); or
(b)
the parent was, before this section came into force, subject to an investigation carried out by a social worker under section 17 in relation to a child who would, at that time, have fallen within the definition of a subsequent child, and—
(i)
the social worker did not at that time form the belief that the child was in need of care or protection on a ground in section 14(1)(a) or (b) (as in force at that time); or
(ii)
a family group conference was held, the parent addressed the concerns raised to the satisfaction of the chief executive, and the parent subsequently maintained care of the child.
Section 18A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 18A(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(3)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(4)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 23(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(4)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(4)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 23(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(4)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(5): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(5): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(6): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 23(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(7): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(7)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(7)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 23(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(7)(a)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18A(7)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18A(7)(b): replaced, on 14 July 2017, by section 23(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
18B Person described in this section
A person described in this section is a person who has been convicted under the Crimes Act 1961 of the murder, manslaughter, or infanticide of a child or young person who was in the person’s care or custody at the time of the child’s or young person’s death.
Section 18B: replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 6 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
18C Confirmation of decision not to apply for care or protection order
(1)
An application under this section for confirmation of a decision under section 18A(4)(b) relating to the parent of a subsequent child must include—
(a)
information showing that the person is a person to whom section 18A applies; and
(b)
an affidavit by the person making the application setting out the circumstances of the application and the reasons for the person’s belief that the parent meets the requirements of section 18A(3).
(2)
The application must be served in accordance with section 152(1) as if it were an application for a care or protection order.
(3)
When considering the application, the court may (but need not) give any person an opportunity to be heard on the application and, if it does, may appoint a barrister or solicitor (under section 159) to represent the subsequent child.
(4)
After considering the application, the court may,—
(a)
if subsection (5) applies, confirm the chief executive’s decision under section 18A(4)(b) not to apply for a care or protection order; or
(b)
decline to confirm the chief executive’s decision under section 18A(4)(b), in which case section 18D applies; or
(c)
dismiss the application on the ground that it does not relate to a person to whom section 18A applies; or
(d)
adjourn the hearing and require the chief executive to—
(i)
provide such information as the court specifies, within the period specified by the court; or
(ii)
reconsider all or any aspect of the assessment and report to the court within a period specified by the court.
(5)
The court may confirm the decision of the chief executive under section 18A(4)(b) only if it is satisfied, on the basis of the written material before it (and, if the court has heard any person under subsection (3), any other material heard), that the parent in respect of whom the application is made has demonstrated that the parent meets the requirements of section 18A(3).
(6)
Except as provided in this section, nothing in Part 3 applies in respect of an application for, or a decision of a court on, confirmation of a decision made under section 18A(4)(b).
Section 18C: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 18C heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 25(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18C(1)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18C(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 25(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18C(4)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 25(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18C(4)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18C(4)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18C(4)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18C(5): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18C(5): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
18D Court declining to confirm decision
If, under section 18C(4)(b), the court declines to confirm the chief executive’s decision under section 18A(4)(b), the court must give written reasons for its decision, and the application for confirmation—
(a)
must be treated as an application for a care or protection order made by the chief executive on the ground in section 14(1)(c); and
(b)
must be served and heard in accordance with Part 3 and the rules of court, except that, although section 70 does not apply, if a family group conference is convened pursuant to section 72(3), the chief executive (or the chief executive’s representative) is entitled to attend the conference as if the chief executive were entitled to do so under section 22(1)(a) to (h).
Section 18D: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 18D: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 18D(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 26 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 18D(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
19 Referral of care or protection cases to care and protection co-ordinator by other persons or by court
(1)
Where—
(a)
after inquiry, any body or organisation (including a government department or other agency of the Crown, or a local authority) concerned with the well-being of children and young persons; or
(b)
in any proceedings, any court—
believes that any child or young person is in need of care or protection on 1 or more of the grounds specified in section 14(1) (other than on the ground specified in section 14(1)(c)), that body, organisation, or court may refer the matter to a care and protection co-ordinator.
(1A)
Every referral pursuant to subsection (1) shall be accompanied by—
(a)
a statement of the reasons for believing that the child or young person to whom the referral relates is in need of care or protection; and
(b)
particulars sufficient to identify any person, body, or organisation that might be contacted to substantiate that belief; and
(c)
a statement indicating whether or not the referral is being made with the consent or knowledge of—
(i)
the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the child or young person to whom the referral relates; or
(ii)
the family, whanau, or family group of that child or young person; and
(d)
any recommendation as to the course of action the care and protection co-ordinator might take in respect of the referral.
(2)
Every care and protection co-ordinator to whom a case is referred pursuant to subsection (1) shall, where it appears to that care and protection co-ordinator to be necessary to do so,—
(a)
except where paragraph (b) applies, convene a family group conference in accordance with section 20; or
(b)
where the child is believed to be in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), report the matter to the appropriate enforcement agency; or
(c)
take such other action as is appropriate in the circumstances.
(3)
For the purposes of determining whether or not it is necessary to convene a family group conference pursuant to subsection (2)(a), a care and protection co-ordinator may arrange for a case to be investigated by the chief executive.
(4)
Every care and protection co-ordinator to whom a case is referred pursuant to subsection (1) by a court shall,—
(a)
within 28 days after receiving that referral, furnish to the court a written report stating—
(i)
what action (if any) has been taken with respect to the case as a result of the referral; and
(ii)
if any such action has been taken, whether that action has resolved the matter, and, if so, how that matter has been resolved; and
(iii)
what further action (if any) is proposed with respect to the case, and, if any such action is proposed, when that action is likely to be completed; and
(b)
subject to paragraph (c), where the report furnished pursuant to paragraph (a) indicates that further action is proposed with respect to the case, within 28 days of the furnishing of that report, furnish to the court a written report stating—
(i)
what progress (if any) has been made with respect to that action; and
(ii)
when that action is likely to be completed; and
(c)
where the report furnished pursuant to paragraph (a) indicates that further action is proposed with respect to the case, on the completion of that action, furnish to the court a written report stating whether that action has resolved that matter, and, if so, how that matter has been resolved.
Section 19(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 27(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 19(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 19(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 19(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 27(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 19(1A): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 19(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 19(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 7(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Family group conferences
20 Convening of family group conferences
Where, pursuant to this Part, a care and protection co-ordinator is authorised or required to convene or reconvene a family group conference, that care and protection co-ordinator shall, subject to section 21, fix the date on which and the time and place at which the conference is to be held.
21 Care and protection co-ordinator to consult family, whanau, or family group on convening of family group conference
(1)
Every care and protection co-ordinator shall, before convening any family group conference pursuant to this Part in respect of any child or young person,—
(a)
consult with a care and protection resource panel; and
(b)
make all reasonable endeavours to consult with the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group in relation to—
(i)
the date on which, and the time and place at which, the conference is to be held; and
(ii)
the persons who should attend the conference; and
(iii)
the procedure to be adopted at the conference,—
and, subject to section 22, shall, so far as it is practicable and consistent with the principles of this Act, give effect to the wishes of the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group in relation to those matters.
(2)
Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if the family group conference is convened under section 18AAA.
Section 21(2): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
22 Persons entitled to attend family group conference
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), the following persons are entitled to attend a family group conference convened under this Part:
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the conference is held, unless the care and protection co-ordinator convening the conference is of the opinion that—
(i)
the attendance of that child or young person would not be in the interests of that child or young person, or would, for any other reason, be undesirable; or
(ii)
the child or young person would be unable, by reason of its age or level of maturity, to understand the proceedings:
(b)
every person who is—
(i)
a parent or guardian of, or a person having the care of, that child or young person; or
(ii)
a member of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person,—
unless the care and protection co-ordinator convening the conference is of the opinion that that person’s attendance would not be in the interests of the child or young person, or would be undesirable for any other reason:
(c)
the care and protection co-ordinator who is convening the conference, or any care and protection co-ordinator who is acting for that person:
(d)
if the conference was convened on the basis of a report under section 18(1),—
(i)
the person who made the report (A); or
(ii)
if A was a delegate of the chief executive, a person acting for A (who must also be a person who has been delegated the chief executive’s power to make reports under section 18(1)); or
(iii)
if A was a constable, another constable acting for A:
(da)
if the conference is convened under any other provision of this Part (or under section 207D(3), 207K(2), or 207Q(2)), the chief executive or the chief executive’s delegate:
(e)
where the conference has been convened on the basis of a referral of a matter under section 19(1)(a) by any body or organisation, a representative of that body or organisation:
(f)
where the conference has been convened or reconvened, for the purposes of section 145, in respect of a child or young person, a representative of the person who has the care of that child or young person pursuant to an agreement to which that section applies, or who it is proposed should have the care of that child or young person pursuant to such an agreement:
(g)
if the child or young person is under the guardianship of the court under the Care of Children Act 2004, any person appointed as agent for the court under that Act, or any representative of that person:
(h)
any barrister or solicitor or lay advocate representing the child or young person:
(i)
any person whose attendance at that conference is in accordance with the wishes of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person as expressed under section 21.
(2)
No person to whom subsection (1)(c), (d), (da), (e), (f), or (h) applies is entitled to be present at any family group conference during any discussions or deliberations held among the members of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person in respect of whom the conference is held, unless those members request any such person to be present.
(3)
If a family group conference is reconvened to review a decision, recommendation, or plan, every person who, at the time of the reconvened conference, is a person to whom subsection (1) applies is entitled to attend the conference.
Section 22(1)(d): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 22(1)(d)(iii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 22(1)(da): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 22(1)(g): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
Section 22(1)(g): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 22(2): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 7 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 22(3): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
23 Care and protection co-ordinator to ensure that relevant information and advice made available to family group conference
(1)
Every care and protection co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference under this Part shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that all information and advice that the co-ordinator considers are required by the conference to carry out its functions (including information and advice relating to the health and education needs of every child or young person in respect of whom the conference is convened) are made available to the conference.
(2)
Subject to section 22, where it is appropriate for any person (including a member of a care and protection resource panel) to attend a family group conference for the purpose of conveying to that conference any information or advice required by the conference to carry out its functions, that person may attend that conference for that purpose, but may otherwise attend the conference only with the agreement of the conference.
Section 23(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 12(a) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 23(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 12(b) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
24 Care and protection co-ordinator to ascertain views of persons unable to attend family group conference
(1)
Every care and protection co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference under this Part shall take all reasonable steps to ascertain the views of the following persons in relation to the matters to be considered at the conference:
(a)
any person who is excluded from attendance at the conference pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (b) of section 22(1):
(b)
any person who is entitled to attend the conference but who has notified the care and protection co-ordinator that the person is unable, for any reason, to do so.
(2)
Where, in respect of any family group conference, a care and protection co-ordinator ascertains the views of any person pursuant to subsection (1), that co-ordinator shall ensure that those views are made known at that conference.
Section 24(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
25 Notification of convening of family group conference
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), every care and protection co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference under this Part shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that notice of the date on which, and the time and place at which, the conference is to be held is given to every person who is entitled to attend that conference.
(2)
No notice is required to be given pursuant to subsection (1) to any person whose whereabouts cannot, after reasonable enquiries, be ascertained.
(3)
Every notice required by subsection (1) shall be given a reasonable time before the conference is to be held.
(4)
Failure to notify any person in accordance with this section shall not affect the validity of the proceedings of a family group conference unless it is shown that the failure is likely to have materially affected the outcome of that conference.
26 Procedure at family group conference
(1)
Subject to this Part, a family group conference may regulate its procedure in such manner as it thinks fit.
(2)
Subject to section 5(1)(b)(v), a family group conference may from time to time be adjourned to a time and place determined by the conference.
Section 26(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 30 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
27 Department to provide administrative services to family group conference
The department shall provide such administrative services as may be necessary to enable a family group conference to discharge its functions.
28 Functions of family group conference
The functions of a family group conference convened under this Part are as follows:
(a)
to consider, in relation to the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened, such matters relating to the care or protection or well-being of that child or young person as the conference thinks fit:
(b)
to make such decisions or recommendations, and to formulate such plans, in relation to that child or young person as the conference considers necessary or desirable for the child’s or young person’s care, protection, or well-being, having regard to the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13:
(c)
to review from time to time—
(i)
the decisions and recommendations made, and the plans formulated, by that conference:
(ii)
the implementation of any such decisions, recommendations, and plans.
Section 28(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 31(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 28(b): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 8(a) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 28(b): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 8(b) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 28(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 31(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
29 Family group conference may make decisions and recommendations and formulate plans
(1)
A family group conference convened under this Part may make such decisions and recommendations and formulate such plans as it considers necessary or desirable in relation to the care or protection or well-being of the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened.
(2)
In making such decisions and recommendations and formulating such plans, the conference shall have regard to the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13.
(3)
Every care and protection co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference shall cause to be made a written record of the details of the decisions and recommendations made, and the plans formulated, by that conference pursuant to this section.
Section 29(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 32(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 29(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 32(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
29A Content of plan
(1)
Every plan of which a written record is prepared under section 29(3) must, without limitation,—
(a)
specify, contain, or state all the matters listed in section 130(1) (except as provided in section 130(2)); and
(b)
specify a date by which the plan must be reviewed.
(2)
The review date referred to in subsection (1)(b) must be,—
(a)
if the plan relates to a child under the age of 7 years, within 6 months after the date on which the plan comes into effect in accordance with section 30; or
(b)
in any other case, within 12 months after that date.
Section 29A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 13 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
30 Care and protection co-ordinator to seek agreement to decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
(1)
Where a family group conference makes any decision or recommendation, or formulates any plan, pursuant to section 29(1) or subsection (4) of this section, the care and protection co-ordinator who convened that conference shall,—
(aaa)
if the conference was convened under section 18AAA,—
(i)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to the chief executive and to every person who will be directly involved in its implementation; and
(ii)
seek the agreement of the chief executive, and every other person, organisation, or body to whom that decision, recommendation, or plan is communicated under subparagraph (i), to that decision, recommendation, or plan.
(a)
if the conference was convened on the basis of a report under section 18(1),—
(i)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to—
(A)
the person who made the report (A); or
(B)
if A was a delegate of the chief executive, a person acting for A (who must also be a person who has been delegated the chief executive’s power to make reports under section 18(1)); or
(C)
if A was a constable, another constable acting for A; and
(ii)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to every person who will be directly involved in its implementation; and
(iii)
seek the agreement of the persons described in paragraph (a)(i)(A), (B), or (C) (as relevant in any case) and paragraph (a)(ii) to that decision, recommendation, or plan:
(b)
where the conference was convened under section 19(2)(a) on the basis of a referral from any body, organisation, or court,—
(i)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to that body, organisation, or court, and to every person who will be directly involved in the implementation of that decision, recommendation, or plan; and
(ii)
seek the agreement of that organisation or body, and of every other person (other than a court) to whom that decision, recommendation, or plan is communicated pursuant to subparagraph (i), to that decision, recommendation, or plan.
(2)
Where, pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (b)(i) of subsection (1), a care and protection co-ordinator meets with any person, body, organisation, or court for the purpose of communicating to that person, body, organisation, or court any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the care and protection co-ordinator may be accompanied by a person nominated by that family group conference.
(3)
Where a care and protection co-ordinator is unable to secure agreement, under subsection (1), to a decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the care and protection co-ordinator may, for the purpose of enabling that conference to reconsider that decision, recommendation, or plan, reconvene that conference.
(4)
Any family group conference reconvened under subsection (3) may confirm, rescind, or modify its previous decision, recommendation, or plan, or rescind its previous decision, recommendation, or plan and make or formulate a new decision, recommendation, or plan.
(5)
Any decision, recommendation, or plan confirmed or modified under subsection (4), and any new decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated under that subsection, shall be deemed to have been made or formulated pursuant to section 29.
Section 30(1)(aaa): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 33 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 30(1)(a): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 30(1)(a)(i)(C): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
31 Procedure where no agreement possible
(1)
Where—
(a)
the members of a family group conference are unable to agree on what decisions, recommendations, or plans should be made in relation to the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened; or
(b)
a care and protection co-ordinator is unable to secure agreement under section 30 to the decisions, recommendations, and plans made or formulated by a family group conference,—
the care and protection co-ordinator who convened the conference—
(c)
must,—
(i)
if the conference was convened on the basis of a report under section 18(1), make a report on the matter to the person who made the report; or
(ii)
in any other case, report the matter to the chief executive:
(d)
shall, where proceedings have been commenced under this Act in any court in relation to the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened, report the matter to that court:
(e)
shall, in every case, consult with a care and protection resource panel.
(2)
If a care and protection co-ordinator makes a report under subsection (1)(c)(i) or (ii), the person to whom that report is made may take any action under this Act that the person considers appropriate.
Section 31(1)(c): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 31(2): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 31(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
32 Records of decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conferences to be made available to interested persons
(1)
Every care and protection co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference under this Part shall ensure that a copy of every record made pursuant to section 29(3) in relation to that conference is given or sent to—
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened, unless the child or young person would be unable, by reason of its age or level of maturity, to understand the contents of the record; and
(b)
every person who is a parent or guardian of that child or young person or has the care of that child or young person; and
(c)
any barrister or solicitor or lay advocate representing the child or young person; and
(d)
any other person who is or will be directly affected by any decision, recommendation, or plan detailed in that record; and
(e)
where there is an appropriate iwi social service or cultural social service with respect to the child or young person, that social service; and
(f)
the appropriate care and protection resource panel.
(2)
Where any child or young person is the subject of any proceedings under this Act before any court, a copy of the record made pursuant to section 29(3) in respect of any family group conference held in relation to that child or young person shall be made available to that court.
Section 32(1)(e): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
33 Department to maintain records of proceedings of family group conferences
(1)
Every written record made pursuant to section 29(3) in relation to a family group conference shall be kept at the District Office of the department nearest to where the conference is held.
(2)
The following persons shall have access to any such record:
(a)
any person to whom a copy of that record is required to be sent pursuant to section 32:
(b)
any care and protection co-ordinator:
(c)
the chief executive:
(d)
any other person who, in the opinion of a care and protection co-ordinator, has a genuine and proper interest in the matter.
(3)
Nothing in this section limits or affects the Official Information Act 1982.
Section 33(2)(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
34 Chief executive to give effect to decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
(1)
The chief executive shall consider every decision, recommendation, or plan that is made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to this Part (other than a decision, recommendation, or plan for which agreement of a delegate of the chief executive is not secured under section 30), and, unless the chief executive considers that it is impracticable, unreasonable, or clearly inconsistent with the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13, shall give effect to that decision, recommendation, or plan by the provision of such services and resources, and the taking of such action and steps, as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case.
(2)
The chief executive may, from time to time, make such grants or provide such financial assistance as may be necessary to give effect to any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to this Part.
Section 34 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 34(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 34 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 34(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 34(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 14 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 34(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 34(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
35 Police to comply with decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
Where—
(a)
any decision, recommendation, or plan is made or formulated by a family group conference; and
(b)
agreement to that decision, recommendation, or plan has been secured under section 30; and
(c)
the implementation of that decision, recommendation, or plan involves any action on the part of the Police,—
unless the Police consider that it is impracticable, unreasonable, or clearly inconsistent with the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13 to do so, it is the duty of the Police to give effect to that decision, recommendation, or plan by the taking of such action and steps as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case.
Section 35: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 35: amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 15 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
36 Family group conference to reconvene to review its decisions, recommendations, and plans
(1)
For the purpose of reviewing a decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the care and protection co-ordinator who convened the conference—
(a)
must (subject to subsection (1A)) reconvene the conference on or before the review date (if any) specified in the plan; and
(b)
must reconvene the conference if required to do so, in accordance with subsection (1B), by the chief executive; and
(c)
must reconvene the conference if required to do so, in accordance with subsection (1B), by an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or a child and family support service, but only if that service—
(i)
was the body or organisation that referred the relevant child or young person to a care and protection co-ordinator under section 19; or
(ii)
is a body or organisation directly involved in the implementation of the decision, recommendation, or plan to be considered; and
(d)
may reconvene the conference, at any time, at the co-ordinator’s own motion or at the request of at least 2 members of the conference that made or formulated the decision, recommendation, or plan under review.
(1A)
Subsection (1)(a) does not apply if—
(a)
the care and protection co-ordinator, after consulting the chief executive, is of the view that no further action under the plan is required; or
(b)
before the review date, a court makes any of the following orders in respect of the child or young person to whom the plan relates:
(i)
a services order under section 86:
(ii)
a support order under section 91:
(iii)
a custody order (other than an interim order) under section 101:
(iv)
a guardianship order under section 110 that appoints any person as the sole guardian of the child or young person:
(v)
a special guardianship order under section 113A.
(1B)
The chief executive, or a service referred to in subsection (1)(c), may require a care and protection co-ordinator to reconvene a family group conference under subsection (1)(b) or (c) only if the chief executive or service is satisfied that there has been a change of circumstances such that the decision, recommendation, or plan no longer adequately addresses the needs of the child or young person to whom it relates.
(2)
Sections 20 to 35 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every family group conference reconvened under this section.
Section 36 heading: amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 16(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 36(1): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 16(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 36(1)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 36(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 16(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 36(1A)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 36(1B): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 16(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 36(1B): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
37 Proceedings of family group conference privileged
(1)
No evidence shall be admissible in any court, or before any person acting judicially, of any information, statement, or admission disclosed or made in the course of a family group conference.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies to a record made by a care and protection co-ordinator under section 29(3).
38 Proceedings of family group conference not to be published
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), no person shall publish any report of the proceedings of any family group conference.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies to the publication of—
(a)
statistical information relating to family group conferences:
(b)
the results of any bona fide research relating to family group conferences.
(3)
In no case shall it be lawful to publish, in any report of the proceedings of any family group conference, any particulars that are identifiable by any person (other than the person to whom those particulars relate) as particulars relating to any particular person who was the subject of, or a participant in, that family group conference.
(4)
Every person who contravenes subsection (1) or subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Section 38(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Powers to remove child or young person
39 Place of safety warrants
(1)
Any District Court Judge or, if no District Court Judge is available, a Family Court Associate or any issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) who, on application in writing verified in accordance with section 99 of that Act, is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a child or young person is suffering, or is likely to suffer, ill-treatment, neglect, deprivation, abuse, or harm may issue a warrant authorising any constable, either by name or generally, or the chief executive, to search for the child or young person.
(1A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(2)
An application for a warrant under subsection (1) may be made by a constable or the chief executive.
(3)
Any person executing a warrant to search for any child or young person may—
(a)
enter and search, by force if necessary, any dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises or place:
(b)
if that person believes, on reasonable grounds, that the child or young person has suffered, or is likely to suffer, ill-treatment, serious neglect, abuse, serious deprivation, or serious harm,—
(i)
remove or detain, by force if necessary, the child or young person and place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive; or
(ii)
where the child or young person is in a hospital, direct the medical superintendent of that hospital to keep that child or young person in that hospital.
(4)
Where any direction is issued pursuant to subsection (3)(b)(ii) in respect of any child or young person, that child or young person shall be deemed to have been placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to this section.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 7(1)–(3)
Section 39(1): amended, on 6 October 2023, by section 77 of the Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25).
Section 39(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 39(1): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 207(1) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 39(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 39(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 39(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 39(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 39(3)(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 39(4): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
40 Warrant to remove child or young person
(1)
Where an application for a care or protection order has been made in respect of a child or young person, any District Court Judge or, if no District Court Judge is available, a Family Court Associate or any issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) may, on application in writing verified in accordance with section 99 of that Act, where there are reasonable grounds for believing that the child or young person is—
(a)
suffering, or is likely to suffer, ill-treatment, serious neglect, abuse, serious deprivation, or serious harm; or
(b)
so seriously disturbed as to be likely—
(i)
to act in a manner harmful to the child or young person or any other person; or
(ii)
to cause serious damage to property,—
issue a warrant authorising any constable, either by name or generally, or the chief executive, to search for the child or young person.
(1A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(2)
An application for a warrant under subsection (1) may be made by a constable or the chief executive.
(3)
The alleged commission of an offence shall not of itself be sufficient grounds for the issue of a warrant under this section.
(4)
Any person executing a warrant to search for any child or young person may—
(a)
enter and search, by force if necessary, any dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises or place:
(b)
either—
(i)
remove or detain, by force if necessary, the child or young person and place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive; or
(ii)
where the child or young person is in a hospital, direct the medical superintendent of that hospital to keep that child or young person in that hospital.
(5)
Where any direction is issued pursuant to subsection (4)(b)(ii) in respect of any child or young person, that child or young person shall be deemed to have been placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to this section.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 28(1)–(3)
Section 40(1): amended, on 6 October 2023, by section 78 of the Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25).
Section 40(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 36 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 40(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 40(1): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 207(2) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 40(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 40(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 40(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 40(4): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 40(4)(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 40(5): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
41 Person executing warrant to produce evidence of authority and identity
[Repealed]Section 41: repealed, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
42 Search without warrant
(1)
Any constable who believes on reasonable grounds that it is critically necessary to protect a child or young person from injury or death may, without warrant,—
(a)
enter and search, by force if necessary, any dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises or place:
(b)
remove or detain, by force if necessary, the child or young person and place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive.
(2)
Every constable who exercises any powers conferred by subsection (1) shall, on first entering any dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises or place, and if requested, at any subsequent time,—
(a)
produce evidence of identity; and
(b)
disclose that those powers are being exercised under this section.
(3)
A constable who exercises the power conferred by subsection (1) shall, within 3 days after the day on which the power is exercised, forward to the Commissioner of Police a written report on the exercise of the power and the circumstances in which it came to be exercised.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 8
Section 42(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 42(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 42(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 42(3): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
43 Placement of child or young person placed in custody of chief executive
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), where a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42, the chief executive may place the child or young person with—
(a)
a parent or guardian of the child or young person; or
(b)
any other person who previously had the care of the child or young person; or
(c)
any member of the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group; or
(d)
any person approved by the chief executive.
(2)
If it is not practicable or appropriate to place the child or young person with any of the persons specified in any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1), the chief executive may place the child or young person in a residence.
(3)
Where a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42, the chief executive may, at any time, release the child or young person from that custody.
Section 43 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 43(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 43(1)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 43(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 43(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
44 Parent or guardian may apply for release of or access to child or young person
(1)
Where a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42, any parent or guardian or other person previously having the care of the child or young person may apply to the court for the release of that child or young person, or for access to that child or young person while the child or young person is in the custody of the chief executive, and the court may make any order that it is empowered to make under section 46.
(2)
An application may be made under subsection (1) at any time before the child or young person is released from the custody of the chief executive or is brought before the court in accordance with section 45.
Section 44(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 44(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 44(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
45 Child or young person placed in custody of chief executive to be brought before court within 5 days unless sooner released
A child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42—
(a)
shall be brought before the court not later than the fifth day after the date on which that child or young person is so placed, unless, before that day,—
(i)
the child or young person is released from that custody; or
(ii)
an order is made under section 78 with respect to the custody of that child or young person:
(b)
may be kept in the custody of the chief executive until the child or young person is brought before the court in accordance with paragraph (a), or for such further period as may be directed by a Family Court Judge.
Section 45 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 45: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 45(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
46 Powers of court where application made under section 44 or child or young person brought before court under section 45
Where an application is made to the court under section 44, or a child or young person is brought before the court pursuant to section 45, the court may—
(a)
make an order—
(i)
directing that the child or young person be released from custody; and
(ii)
subject to any order in force under the Care of Children Act 2004 and relating to who has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person, directing that the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person be exercised by any person the court thinks fit:
(b)
if an application for a care or protection order has been made in respect of the child or young person, make an order under section 78 relating to the custody of the child or young person pending the determination of the application:
(c)
make any order that it is empowered to make under section 121.
Section 46(a)(ii): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 46(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 37 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
47 Report to be sent to Ombudsman if child or young person released before required to be brought before court
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive under section 39, 40, or 42; and
(b)
the child or young person is released from that custody before the child or young person is required by section 45(a) to be brought before the court.
(1A)
If this section applies, the person who released the child or young person from that custody must, as soon as practicable after the release,—
(a)
write a report containing the details required by subsection (2); and
(b)
send a copy of the report to the Ombudsman to enable the Ombudsman to consider whether to exercise any functions or powers under the Ombudsmen Act 1975 in relation to any matter arising from the release of the child or young person from custody.
(2)
The details to be included in a report required by subsection (1) in relation to the placing of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive are as follows:
(a)
where the child or young person was placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to a warrant issued under section 39 or section 40, the grounds on which that warrant was issued and the reasons why the child or young person was so placed:
(b)
where the child or young person was placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 42, the reasons why the child or young person was so placed:
(c)
where and with whom the chief executive placed the child or young person while the child or young person was in the chief executive’s custody:
(d)
whether a medical examination of the child or young person was carried out pursuant to section 53, and, if so, the findings of that examination:
(e)
the reason for releasing the child or young person from the custody of the chief executive:
(f)
the details of any follow up action, where needed, in relation to the child or young person and the proposed plan for undertaking the action, including who is responsible for undertaking the action and the time frame within which the action must be undertaken.
Section 47 heading: amended, on 1 May 2023, by section 67(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 47 heading: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 47(1): replaced, on 1 May 2023, by section 67(2) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 47(1A): inserted, on 1 May 2023, by section 67(2) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 47(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 47(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 47(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 47(2)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 47(2)(e): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 47(2)(f): replaced, on 1 May 2023, by section 67(3) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
48 Unaccompanied children and young persons
(1)
Where a child or young person is found unaccompanied by a parent or guardian or other person who usually has the care of the child or young person in a situation in which the child’s or young person’s physical or mental health is being, or is likely to be, impaired, a constable may, using such force as may reasonably be necessary, take the child or young person and—
(a)
with the consent of the child or young person, deliver the child or young person into the custody of a parent or guardian or other person usually having the care of the child or young person; or
(b)
if—
(i)
the child or young person does not wish to be returned to a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; or
(ii)
no parent or guardian or other such person is willing or able to have custody of the child or young person,—
place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive by delivering the child or young person to the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate).
(2)
Placement of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive shall be sufficient authority for the detention of the child or young person by the delegate or in a residence under this Act until—
(a)
the child or young person agrees to being returned to a parent or guardian or other person usually having the care of the child or young person who is willing to have the care of the child or young person; or
(b)
an application is made to the court for a care or protection order and the child or young person is brought before the court for the purpose of determining whether the child or young person is to be held in custody pending the disposal of the application; or
(c)
where the circumstances of the case indicate that the child or young person is, or may be, in need of care or protection, the expiry of 5 days after the day on which the child or young person was placed in custody, or in any other case, 3 days after that date—
whichever first occurs.
(3)
In subsections (1) and (2) the term young person means a person of or over the age of 14 years but under the age of 18 years.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 12; 1981 No 113 s 50; 1982 No 135 s 4
Section 48(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 48(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 48(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 48(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 48(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 48(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 48(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 38 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 48(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Medical examination of child or young person
49 Court may order medical examination of child or young person
(1)
Where the court is satisfied—
(a)
that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a child or young person is suffering ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, deprivation, or serious harm; and
(b)
that it is expedient that a medical examination of that child or young person be carried out for the purpose of determining whether that suspicion is well-founded,—
the court may order the child or young person to attend for a medical examination by a health practitioner whom the court considers qualified for the purpose.
(2)
An application for an order under subsection (1) may be made by the chief executive or a constable.
(3)
Every application for an order under subsection (1) shall be served on the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person and on such other persons as the court directs.
(4)
The following persons shall be entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of an application under this section:
(a)
the applicant:
(b)
any person on whom the application is served:
(c)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
Section 49(1): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 49(1): amended, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
Section 49(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 49(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
50 Ex parte application for order for medical examination
(1)
An order may be made under section 49 on an ex parte application if the court is satisfied—
(a)
that the delay that would be caused by proceeding on notice would or might entail risk to the personal safety of the child or young person who is the subject of the application; or
(b)
that proceeding on notice would be likely to prejudice investigations into whether the child or young person is in need of care or protection.
(2)
No order may be made under section 49 on an ex parte application unless the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person has been given an opportunity to be heard.
(3)
Where an order is made under section 49 on an ex parte application, any person affected by the order may apply at any time for a variation or discharge of the order.
51 Court may impose conditions on order for medical examination
Any order under section 49 may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit, including restrictions on the nature of the medical examination that may be carried out and the procedures that may be used to carry out that examination.
52 Health practitioner to prepare report on examination
(1)
Every health practitioner who carries out a medical examination of a child or young person pursuant to an order under section 49 shall forthwith prepare a written report of the results of that examination and shall supply that report to the court.
(2)
A copy of every report supplied to the court pursuant to subsection (1) shall be given by the Registrar to—
(a)
every person entitled to appear and be heard on the application to which the report relates:
(b)
any other person whom the court considers has a proper interest in receiving a copy of the report.
Section 52 heading: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 52(1): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
53 Medical examination of child or young person at request of chief executive
(1)
This section applies to any child or young person—
(a)
in respect of whom a warrant has been issued under section 39; or
(b)
who is placed in the custody of the chief executive under that section or under section 40 or section 42.
(2)
The chief executive may, with the consent of any parent or guardian of the child or young person, arrange for any child or young person to whom this section applies to be medically examined by a health practitioner qualified for the purpose.
(3)
Where, after making reasonable efforts to do so, the chief executive does not obtain the consent of a parent or guardian of a child or young person to a medical examination under subsection (2), the chief executive may require the child or young person to be medically examined by a health practitioner qualified for the purpose.
Section 53 heading: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 53(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 53(2): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 8(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 53(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 53(2): amended, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
Section 53(3): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 8(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 52(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 53(3): amended, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
54 Child or young person entitled to have adult present
Every child or young person who is medically examined under section 53 is entitled to have present during that examination 1 adult—
(a)
who is nominated for that purpose by that child or young person or, if the age or level of maturity of the child or young person makes it impracticable for that child or young person to make such a nomination, by the chief executive; and
(b)
who consents to be present.
Section 54(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 54(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
55 Restrictions on internal examinations and examinations under general anaesthetic
(1)
No medical examination carried out under section 53 shall include any internal examination of the genitals or anus of any child or young person unless—
(a)
the health practitioner carrying out the examination believes that the child or young person may have been subject to recent physical or sexual abuse involving either or both of those parts of the body; and
(b)
the child or young person consents to such an examination of that part of the body.
(2)
No medical examination carried out under section 53 shall include any medical procedure that involves the administration of a general anaesthetic to the child or young person.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (1)(b) requires the consent of any child or young person to any examination if the age or level of maturity of the child or young person makes it impracticable to obtain such consent.
Section 55(1)(a): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
56 Health practitioner to prepare report on examination
Every health practitioner who carries out a medical examination of a child or young person under section 53 shall forthwith prepare a written report of the results of that examination and shall supply that report to the person who arranged or required the examination.
Section 56 heading: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 10(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 56: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 10(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 56: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
57 Report to chief executive following medical examination
A delegate of the chief executive who exercises the power under section 53(3) to require a medical examination to be carried out shall, within 3 days after the day on which that examination is carried out, forward to the chief executive a written report on the exercise of that power and the circumstances in which it came to be exercised.
Section 57 heading: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 57: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 57: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
58 Fees for reports prepared under section 52 or section 56
Where any person prepares a report pursuant to section 52 or section 56, the fees and expenses of that person shall be paid—
(a)
out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose; or
(b)
if the court so decides, by such party or parties to the proceedings as the court may order.
Production of documents relevant to investigation
59 Application for production of documents relevant to investigation of whether child or young person in need of care or protection or assistance under section 17(2A)
(1)
Subject to subsection (4), the chief executive or a constable may apply to the court for an order requiring a person to produce a document for inspection by the chief executive or that constable if—
(a)
they believe on reasonable grounds that any person has, in that person’s possession, custody, or power, any document that contains, or they think is likely to contain, information necessary or relevant for the purpose of determining whether any child or young person is in need of care or protection (otherwise than on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e)) or is in need of assistance under section 17(2A); and
(b)
that person has refused to allow that document to be inspected.
(2)
Subject to section 60, notice of an application under subsection (1) for an order for the production of a document shall be given by the applicant to the person in respect of whom the order is sought and to such other person or persons as the court directs.
(3)
The applicant and every person to whom notice of an application under subsection (1) is given shall be entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of the application.
(4)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of any document the production of which would breach legal professional privilege.
Section 59 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 39(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 59(1): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 59(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 39(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 59(1)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
60 Ex parte application for order for production of document
(1)
An order may be made under section 61 on an ex parte application if the court is satisfied that proceeding on notice would be likely to prejudice investigations into whether a child or young person is in need of care or protection.
(2)
Where an order is made under section 61 on an ex parte application, the person in respect of whom the order is made, or any other person affected by the order, may apply at any time for a variation or discharge of the order.
61 Court may order document to be produced
(1)
Where an application is made under section 59 for the production of any document, and the court is satisfied that the document contains information necessary or relevant for the purpose of determining whether any child or young person is in need of care or protection (other than on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e)) or is in need of assistance under section 17(2A), the court may, subject to section 59(4), order the person named in the application as the person who has the document in that person’s possession, custody, or power to produce that document for inspection by the applicant.
(2)
The court may inspect any document for the purpose of determining whether to make an order under this section for the production of that document, and for that purpose may order that document to be produced to the court.
(3)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, being a person who is ordered pursuant to this section to produce any document, refuses or fails to comply with that order.
Section 61(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 40 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 61(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
62 Section 61 to apply notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law
(1)
Subject to section 59(4), section 61 applies notwithstanding any enactment, or any rule of law, that obliges any person to maintain secrecy in relation to, or not to disclose, any matter, and any compliance with that section is not a breach of the relevant obligation of secrecy or non-disclosure or of the enactment or rule of law by which that obligation is imposed.
(2)
Subject to section 59(4), no person shall be excused from producing any document under section 61—
(a)
on the ground that the production of that document could or would tend to incriminate that person or subject that person to any penalty or forfeiture; or
(b)
on the ground of any other privilege that could otherwise be claimed by that person in relation to the production of the document in any proceedings in a court.
63 Right to remove, retain, and make copies of document produced under section 61
A person to whom a document is produced for inspection under section 61 may—
(a)
remove and retain that document for so long as is necessary for a full inspection of that document:
(b)
make copies of that document.
Section 63: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
64 Document produced under section 61 not to be used for any other purpose
(1)
A person to whom a document is produced for inspection under section 61—
(a)
shall make use of that document, and any copy of that document taken pursuant to section 63(b), only for the purposes of this Part; and
(b)
except for the purposes of this Part, shall not disclose that document, or any copy of that document taken pursuant to section 63(b), to any other person.
(2)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who contravenes subsection (1).
Section 64(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 64(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
65 Use of documents in subsequent proceedings
(1)
No document produced, pursuant to an order under section 61, is admissible as evidence in any proceedings under this Act or any other Act if, but for the provisions of section 62, that document could not, by virtue of any enactment, rule of law, or privilege, have been ordered to be so produced.
(2)
No document or information shall be privileged from being given in evidence in any proceedings under this Act or any other Act, and no objection to the admissibility of any document or information in any such proceedings shall be upheld, merely because the document or information was obtained as a result of the production of any document pursuant to an order under section 61.
Section 65(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Information sharing
Heading: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
65A Purpose of information sharing and principle for information sharing decisions
(1)
The purpose of sections 66 to 66Q is to facilitate the gathering and sharing of information to achieve the purposes in section 4(1)(a) to (j).
(2)
Persons carrying out functions under sections 66 to 66Q must have regard to the principle that (because the well-being and best interests of a child or young person are the first and paramount consideration) the well-being and best interests of any child or young person, in general, take precedence over any duty of confidentiality owed by any person in relation to—
(a)
the child or young person; or
(b)
any person who is a family member of that child or young person or in a family relationship with that child or young person (within the meaning of section 12 of the Family Violence Act 2018).
Section 65A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 65A(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 259(1) of the Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46).
66 Agencies to supply information
(1)
Every agency (within the meaning of section 7(1) of the Privacy Act 2020, which includes a person) must, on request, supply to the chief executive, a care and protection co-ordinator, or a constable any information held by the agency that may relate to or affect the safety or well-being of a child or young person, if the information is—
(a)
required to determine whether a child or young person is in need of care or protection or assistance under section 17(2) and (2A); or
(b)
required for the purposes of any proceedings under this Part (including a family group conference).
(2)
Despite subsection (1), an agency may refuse to disclose any information that may be withheld on the grounds of legal professional privilege.
(3)
Information obtained under subsection (1)—
(a)
must not be used for the purposes of investigating any offence; and
(b)
is not admissible in any proceedings other than proceedings under this Part.
Section 66: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66(1): amended, on 1 December 2020, by section 217 of the Privacy Act 2020 (2020 No 31).
66A Disclosure of information obtained under section 66
(1)
The chief executive or a constable may disclose any information relating to a child or young person obtained under section 66 to a child welfare and protection agency or an independent person if the chief executive or constable reasonably believes that providing the information will fulfil any of the following purposes:
(a)
preventing or reducing the risk of a child or young person being subject to harm, ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation:
(b)
making or contributing to an assessment of risk or need in relation to a child or young person, or a class of children or young persons:
(c)
making, contributing to, or monitoring any support plan for a child or young person where the plan relates to the activities and functions of the department:
(d)
preparing, implementing, or reviewing any prevention plan or strategy issued by the department:
(e)
arranging, providing, or reviewing services facilitated by the department for a child or young person, or their family or whānau:
(f)
carrying out any function in relation to family group conferences, children or young persons in care, or other functions relating to care or protection under this Part.
(2)
Section 66(3) applies in respect of any information disclosed under this section as if it were disclosed under section 66(1).
(3)
In this section, in care has the same meaning as in section 7(4)(b).
Section 66A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66B Restrictions on disclosure of information under section 66A
The chief executive or a constable may not disclose information to a child welfare and protection agency or an independent person under section 66A if—
(a)
the information was disclosed to the chief executive or constable in circumstances that would otherwise have put the person who disclosed the information in breach of the person’s duty of confidence under the rules of the profession in which they practise; and
(b)
the chief executive or constable is aware, after making reasonable inquiries, that the disclosure would otherwise involve a breach of a duty of confidence of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) (whether as a result of being advised by the person disclosing the information or otherwise); and
(c)
the person to whom the information relates or their representative has not consented to the disclosure.
Section 66B: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66C Use and disclosure of personal information relating to child or young person or classes of children or young persons
A child welfare and protection agency or an independent person that holds information relating to a child or young person or any class of children or young persons (including information contained in a dataset) may, irrespective of the purpose for which that information was collected,—
(a)
use that information for the purposes of—
(i)
preventing or reducing the risk of a child or young person being subject to harm, ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation; or
(ii)
making or contributing to an assessment of risk or need in relation to a child or young person, or any class of children or young persons; or
(iii)
making, contributing to, or monitoring any support plan for a child or young person, where the plan relates to the activities and functions of the department; or
(iv)
preparing, implementing, or reviewing any prevention plan or strategy issued by the department; or
(v)
arranging, providing, or reviewing services facilitated by the department for a child or young person and their family or whānau; or
(vi)
carrying out any function in relation to family group conferences, children or young persons in care, or other functions relating to care or protection under this Part; or
(b)
disclose (whether on request or on the agency’s or independent person’s own initiative) that information to another child welfare and protection agency or an independent person if the agency or independent person disclosing the information reasonably believes that disclosing the information will assist the agency or independent person receiving the information to carry out any of the purposes described in paragraph (a).
Section 66C: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66D Public notification of information about combined datasets
[Repealed]Section 66D: repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 9 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
66E Application of sections 66F to 66J
Sections 66F to 66J do not apply until a Code for information sharing approved by the Minister under section 66N(1) comes into force.
Section 66E: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66F Definitions
In sections 66G to 66J,—
authorised child welfare and protection agency, in relation to any of those provisions, means a child welfare and protection agency or a class of child welfare and protection agencies, authorised by the Code of information sharing to exercise powers or perform functions under the particular provision
authorised independent person means, in relation to any of those provisions, an independent person or a class of independent persons, authorised by the Code of information sharing to exercise powers or perform functions under the particular provision
information relevant to the safety or well-being of a child or young person includes information about—
(a)
a member of the family of that child or young person; or
(b)
any other person in a family relationship (within the meaning of section 12 of the Family Violence Act 2018) with that child or young person; or
(c)
any person who is likely to reside with the child or young person.
Section 66F: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66F information relevant to the safety or well-being of a child or young person paragraph (b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 259(1) of the Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46).
66G Requests for information by authorised child welfare and protection agencies or authorised independent persons from other authorised child welfare and protection agencies or authorised independent persons
An authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person (the requestor) may request another authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person (the provider) to disclose to the requestor any information that the provider holds that is information relevant to the safety or well-being of—
(a)
a particular child or young person and their family; or
(b)
a class of children or young persons and their families.
Section 66G: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66H Duty of child welfare and protection agency or independent person receiving request under section 66G
An authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person—
(a)
must comply with a request under section 66G if, after receiving sufficient information from the requestor to make a decision, the provider reasonably believes that the information will assist the requestor to fulfil any of the purposes set out in section 66A(1); but
(b)
may decline the request if section 66I applies.
Section 66H: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66I When request under section 66G may be declined
An authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person may decline a request under section 66G if that agency or person—
(a)
is not satisfied that disclosure of the information will help to fulfil any of the purposes in section 66A(1); or
(b)
reasonably believes that—
(i)
disclosure is likely to increase the risk of the child or young person being subject to harm, ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, or deprivation, and that risk outweighs the benefits of disclosure; or
(ii)
disclosure will prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to a fair trial, and that prejudice is likely to outweigh the benefits of disclosure; or
(iii)
disclosure will prejudice the conduct of proceedings before any court or tribunal (being proceedings that have been commenced or are reasonably in contemplation); or
(iv)
disclosure will breach legal professional privilege; or
(v)
disclosure will be contrary to the express wishes of the child or young person (expressed either directly or through their representative) and disclosure is not in the best interests of the child or young person.
Section 66I: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66J Reasons for declining request
An authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person who declines a request under section 66G must give the requestor notice of the decision to decline the request and the reasons for the decision.
Section 66J: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66K Consultation to be undertaken when information is requested or proposed to be disclosed under section 66C or 66H
If a child welfare and protection agency or an independent person proposes to disclose information under section 66C, or an authorised child welfare and protection agency or an authorised independent person proposes to disclose information under section 66H, the agency or person must, if it is practicable and appropriate to do so,—
(a)
inform the child or young person concerned, or their representative, about the proposed disclosure, including the purposes and likely recipients of any disclosure; and
(b)
provide the child or young person or their representative any reasonable assistance necessary to—
(i)
understand the nature of the proposed disclosure; and
(ii)
express their views about the proposed disclosure; and
(iii)
understand the consequences of the decision that is taken in relation to the disclosure; and
(c)
take into account any view expressed about the proposed disclosure before deciding whether to disclose the information.
Section 66K: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Code of practice for information sharing
Heading: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66L Purpose of Code for information sharing
(1)
The purpose of a Code of Practice for Information Sharing (a Code) is to provide both guidance and direction to child welfare and protection agencies and independent persons about the application of the information sharing provisions in sections 66 to 66K and how disputes about the interpretation and application of those provisions should be resolved.
(2)
Without limiting subsection (1), a Code may—
(a)
authorise a child welfare and protection agency or a class of child welfare and protection agencies or an independent person or a class of independent persons to exercise 1 or more of the powers or carry out 1 or more of the functions set out in sections 66G to 66J:
(b)
contain binding rules about the circumstances in which—
(i)
the powers conferred by 1 or more of those sections can be exercised; and
(ii)
the duties imposed by 1 or more of those sections must or may be carried out; and
(c)
specify the conditions to which the exercise of those powers and carrying out of those functions is subject; and
(d)
specify how disputes about the interpretation and application of those provisions are to be resolved.
Section 66L: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
66M Consultation on draft Code by Minister
(1)
As soon as practicable after the commencement of this section but before the Minister issues a draft Code, the Minister must consult the following persons about the content and form of the Code:
(a)
the Privacy Commissioner:
(b)
the Children’s Commissioner:
(c)
any organisations or individuals who the Minister is satisfied represent the interests of—
(i)
child welfare and protection agencies; and
(ii)
independent persons; and
(iii)
different classes of child welfare and protection agencies and independent persons.
(2)
The Minister must, as soon as practicable after undertaking the consultation required by subsection (1), make decisions on the form and content of the draft Code and arrange for it to be—
(a)
notified in the Gazette; and
(b)
published on an Internet site maintained by the Government.
(3)
The notification of the draft Code must state—
(a)
that written submissions on the draft Code are invited from members of the public and interested organisations; and
(b)
where copies of the draft Code may be obtained; and
(c)
the closing date for submissions; and
(d)
the address to which submissions are to be sent.
Section 66M: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66M(1)(b): amended, on 1 August 2025, by section 25 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34).
66N Approval of draft Code by Minister
(1)
After considering a summary of issues and concerns raised by submitters and making any amendments to the draft Code, the Minister must approve the Code.
(1A)
The Code is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(2)
The Code comes into force—
(a)
on the date specified for that purpose in the Code, being a date after the date on which the Code is published under the Legislation Act 2019; or
(b)
if no such date is specified, the day after the date on which the Code is published under the Legislation Act 2019.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 66N: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66N(1A): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 66N(2)(a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 66N(2)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
66O Application of Legislation Act 2012 to Code
[Repealed]Section 66O: repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
66P Amendments to Code
(1)
The Code may be amended by the Minister approving 1 or more amendments to the Code.
(2)
Sections 66M to 66N apply, with all necessary modifications, in relation to an amendment to the Code as if the amendment were a draft Code.
(3)
However, section 66M does not apply to an amendment and it is unnecessary for the Minister to consider a summary of issues and concerns if—
(a)
the amendment is a minor or technical amendment; and
(b)
the Minister considers that compliance with section 66M is unnecessary.
Section 66P: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66P(2): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
66Q Relationship with other enactments
(1)
Sections 66 to 66P do not—
(a)
affect the Official Information Act 1982; or
(b)
limit or prevent the collection, use, or disclosure of information that is—
(i)
authorised or required under any other enactment; or
(ii)
permitted under any other enactment.
(2)
The collection, storage, and use of information under sections 66 to 66J of this Act must comply with principles 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 13 set out in section 22 of the Privacy Act 2020.
(3)
Sections 66 to 66P do not limit principles 11 and 12 set out in section 22 of the Privacy Act 2020 (which permit certain disclosures in addition to those authorised under those sections).
(4)
However, if there is any other inconsistency between sections 66 to 66P of this Act and any provisions of the Privacy Act 2020, sections 66 to 66P prevail.
(5)
Despite clause 4(1)(c) of Schedule 24 of the Education and Training Act 2020, the chief executive of the Ministry of Education may use national student numbers to gather information for any of the purposes set out in section 66A(1), and the information so gathered may be used for any of those purposes.
Section 66Q: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 66Q(2): amended, on 1 December 2020, by section 217 of the Privacy Act 2020 (2020 No 31).
Section 66Q(3): amended, on 1 December 2020, by section 217 of the Privacy Act 2020 (2020 No 31).
Section 66Q(4): amended, on 1 December 2020, by section 217 of the Privacy Act 2020 (2020 No 31).
Section 66Q(5): amended, on 1 August 2020, by section 668 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (2020 No 38).
Proceedings in respect of children and young persons in need of care or protection
67 Grounds for declaration that child or young person is in need of care or protection
[Repealed]Section 67: repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 42 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
68 Application for care or protection order
An application for a care or protection order (as defined in section 2) may be made by—
(a)
the chief executive; or
(b)
a constable; or
(c)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 27(1)
Section 68 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 43(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 68: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 43(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 68(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 68(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
69 Joint applications
An application for a care or protection order may be made jointly by the chief executive or a constable and a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person.
Section 69: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 44 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 69: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
70 No application for care or protection order to be made unless family group conference has been held
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), no application for a care or protection order (other than an interim order) may be made unless a family group conference has been held under this Part (or, in the case of an application on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), under Part 4) in relation to the matter that forms the ground on which the application is made.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply where—
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the application is made has been placed in the custody of the chief executive under section 39 or section 42; or
(b)
the applicant believes that the interests of the child or young person in respect of whom the application is made require that an interim restraining order or an interim guardianship order be granted as a matter of urgency, and an application for such an order is made at the same time as the application; or
(ba)
an application for a custody order under section 78 is made at the same time as the application, and the applicant believes,—
(i)
where the application is made on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e),—
(A)
that it is not possible to make suitable alternative arrangements for the custody of the child in respect of whom the application is made pending the determination of the application; or
(B)
that it is in the public interest that the child be held in custody pending the determination of the application:
(ii)
in any other case, that the interests of the child or young person in respect of whom the application is made require that such a custody order be granted as a matter of urgency; or
(c)
the application is made on the ground specified in section 14(1)(a)(i) (in the circumstances referred to in section 14AA(1)(b)) and, after reasonable enquiries, it is not possible to ascertain the whereabouts of any member of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person to whom the application relates.
(3)
Where, pursuant to any of paragraphs (a) to (ba) of subsection (2), an application for a care or protection order (other than an interim order) is made without a family group conference having been held, the Registrar shall forthwith refer the application to,—
(a)
in the case of an application made on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), a youth justice co-ordinator; or
(b)
in any other case, a care and protection co-ordinator—
for the purposes of convening a family group conference.
Section 70 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 45(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 70(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 45(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 70(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 70(2)(a): amended, on 1 November 1989, by section 6(1)(a) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70).
Section 70(2)(b): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 70(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 45(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 70(2)(ba): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 70(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 45(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 70(3): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 70(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 45(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
71 Court may make care or protection order in absence of proof of responsibility for neglect or ill-treatment of child or young person
Where—
(a)
an application for a care or protection order is made on any of the grounds specified in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of section 14(1); and
(b)
the court is satisfied that, but for the failure of the evidence to establish that a parent or guardian of the child or young person or a person having the care of the child or young person is culpable in relation to the harm suffered by the child or young person, the grounds specified in section 14(1)(a)(i) or (ii) (in the circumstances referred to in section 14AA(1)(a) or (2)(a)) are made out,—
the court may find those grounds made out.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 29A; 1983 No 129 s 6(1)
Section 71 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 46(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 71(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 46(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 71(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 46(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
72 Court not to make care or protection order unless family group conference held
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), the court shall not make a care or protection order (other than an interim order) unless a family group conference has been held under this Part (or, in the case of an application on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), under Part 4) in relation to the matter that forms the ground of the application.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of any application to which section 70(2)(c) applies.
(3)
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order (other than an interim order), the court may, at any stage of the hearing of that application, on the application of any party to the proceedings or of its own motion, direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference in relation to the matter that forms the ground of the application.
Section 72 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 47(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 72(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 47(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 72(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 47(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
73 Court not to make care or protection order unless satisfied that child’s or young person’s need for care or protection cannot be met by other means
(1)
The court shall not make a care or protection order (other than an interim order) unless it is satisfied that it is not practicable or appropriate to provide care or protection for the child or young person by any other means, including the implementation of any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference convened in relation to that child or young person.
(2)
In deciding whether or not to make a care or protection order (other than an interim order) on the basis of any of the grounds specified in section 14(1)(a)(i) or (ii) (in the circumstances referred to in section 14AA(1)(a) or (2)(a)), the court shall take into account, among other things, any evidence before the court—
(a)
that the kind of harm suffered by the child or young person will neither continue nor be repeated:
(b)
that a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person will be capable of ensuring that the kind of harm suffered by the child or young person will be neither continued nor repeated.
Section 73 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 48(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 73(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 48(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 73(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 48(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 73(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 48(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Counselling
74 Court may require parties to undergo counselling
(1)
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order in relation to a child or young person, the court may direct all or any of the following persons to participate in counselling of a nature specified by the court:
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the application is made:
(b)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person or any person having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
where the application is accompanied by or joined with an application for a restraining order or an interim restraining order, any person in respect of whose conduct that order or interim order is sought.
(2)
Where a direction made under subsection (1) does not specify the person who is to undertake the counselling, the direction shall be referred to the Registrar of the court, and that Registrar shall, on receipt of the direction, refer to an appropriate counsellor the person or persons in respect of whom the direction is given.
(3)
In determining, for the purposes of any direction made under subsection (1), the nature of the counselling and the person who is to carry out the counselling, the court or Registrar, as the case may be, shall have regard to the views of the person or persons in respect of whom that direction is given.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 10
Section 74(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 49 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
75 Counsellor to arrange meeting and submit report on outcome
(1)
Where a direction is made under section 74(1), the counsellor who is to undertake the counselling shall—
(a)
arrange to meet the person or persons in respect of whom the direction is given; or
(b)
by letter sent by post request that person or those persons to attend before the counsellor at a specified time and place—
for the purpose of the counselling.
(2)
As soon as practicable after a direction is made under section 74, the person undertaking the counselling pursuant to that direction shall submit a written report to the court on the outcome of that counselling.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 11
76 Fees
Any fees charged by any counsellor in respect of any counselling carried out pursuant to any direction made under section 74 shall, to the extent that those fees are reasonable, be paid out of a Crown Bank Account from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
Section 76: amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 83(7) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
77 Privilege
(1)
No evidence shall be admissible in any court, or before any person acting judicially, of any information, statement, or admission disclosed or made to any person in the course of carrying out that person’s functions as a counsellor pursuant to a direction made under section 74.
(2)
Except to the extent that it is necessary for a counsellor to do so in the proper discharge of that person’s functions, every person who acts as a counsellor pursuant to a direction made under section 74 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who discloses to any other person any information, statement, or admission received by or made to that person in the exercise of that person’s functions pursuant to such a direction.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 18
Section 77(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Custody of child or young person pending determination of proceedings
Heading: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
78 Custody of child or young person pending determination of proceedings or in urgent cases
(1)
In any proceedings in a court under Part 2 in relation to a child or young person, the court may, on the application of any party to the proceedings, or a barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, make an interim order relating to the custody of the child or young person pending the determination of the proceedings.
(1A)
Even if there are no other proceedings under this Part in relation to a child or a young person, the court may, on application by a person entitled to make an application under section 68 (the applicant), if it is satisfied that subsection (1B) applies, make an interim custody order in relation to the child or young person.
(1B)
This subsection applies if—
(a)
it is in the best interests of the child or young person that an interim custody order be made as a matter of urgency; or
(b)
it is in the public interest that an interim custody order be made in respect of a child or young person and the grounds on which the order is sought relate to offending or alleged offending by the child or young person.
(2)
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the court may make an order under that subsection in relation to a child or young person in the following cases:
(a)
where the child or young person has been placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42 and is brought before the court pursuant to section 45:
(b)
where the court is satisfied that the child or young person is in need of care or protection for the period of the order:
(c)
in the case of an application for a care or protection order on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), where—
(i)
it is not possible to make suitable alternative arrangements for the custody of the child pending the determination of the application; or
(ii)
it is in the public interest that the child be held in custody pending the determination of the application:
(d)
if an application has been made for a care or protection order and the court has adjourned the proceedings pending their disposition:
(e)
where an application for a variation or discharge of any order (or the variation or discharge of any condition of any order) is made to the court under section 125, at any time before such application is finally disposed of:
(f)
where a report is furnished to the court pursuant to section 135, at any time before the court has completed its consideration of the report and accompanying revised plan under section 137.
(3)
An order under subsection (1) may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
(4)
An order under subsection (1A) remains in force—
(a)
for the period specified in the order (not exceeding 28 days) unless it is earlier discharged by the court on application under section 125; or
(b)
until a later date (specified by the court in the order) that the court considers allows sufficient time for a family group conference to be held and, if necessary, an application for another care or protection order to be made.
Section 78: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 78 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(1B): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 78(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(2)(d): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 78(4): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 50(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
79 Persons who may be granted custody under section 78
(1)
An order made under section 78 may place a child or young person in the custody of any of the following persons:
(a)
the chief executive:
(b)
an iwi social service:
(c)
a cultural social service:
(d)
the director of a child and family support service:
(e)
any other person.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under section 78 placing any child or young person in the custody of any person (other than the chief executive) unless that person consents to the making of the order.
Section 79(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 79(1)(b): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 79(1)(c): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 79(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
80 Effect of order made under section 78
Section 104, section 105 (other than paragraph (a), paragraph (b)(i), and paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of that section), section 106, and section 107, so far as applicable and with all necessary modifications, shall apply with respect to every order made under section 78 as if it were an order made under section 101.
81 Placement of child or young person under order made under section 78
(1)
Where, pursuant to an order made under section 78, a child or young person is placed in the custody of any person (being the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service), that order is sufficient authority for that person to place the child or young person—
(a)
with a member of the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group:
(b)
where the child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive, in a residence.
(2)
Subject to subsection (1), the person in whose custody a child or young person is so placed may, from time to time, during the currency of the order, change the placement of the child or young person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(8)
Section 81: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 81(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 81(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
82 Child or young person may be returned to person who previously had care
(1)
This section applies where a child or young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service pursuant to an order made under section 78.
(2)
Subject to subsection (5), where this section applies, the person in whose custody the child or young person is placed may, at any time before the order expires or is discharged, if that person considers it appropriate to do so, return the child or young person to the custody of the parent or guardian or other person who had the care of the child or young person immediately before the order was made.
(3)
The person so returning the child or young person may impose such conditions relating to the supervision of the child or young person as that person thinks fit.
(4)
Subject to subsection (5), where,—
(a)
pursuant to subsection (2), a child or young person is returned to the custody of another person; and
(b)
at any time before the order made under section 78 expires or is discharged, the person so returning the child or young person considers that it is no longer desirable in the interests of the child or young person that the child or young person be in the custody of that other person,—
the person may direct that other person to return the child or young person to the custody of that person.
(5)
No person shall—
(a)
return a child or young person to the custody of any other person pursuant to subsection (2); or
(b)
issue a direction under subsection (4) in relation to a child or young person—
without first consulting with the barrister or solicitor representing that child or young person.
(6)
If a person gives a direction under subsection (4),—
(a)
the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) may—
(i)
remove the child or young person to whom the direction relates, using such force as is reasonably necessary for the purpose; and
(ii)
place the child or young person with a person or, if the person giving the direction is the chief executive, in a residence, as the person giving the direction thinks appropriate; and
(b)
section 105(2) and (3) applies (as applicable and with all necessary modifications) to the removal of the child or young person.
Section 82: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 82(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 82(4)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 82(6): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 82(6)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Care or protection orders
Heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 51 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
83 Care or protection orders
(1)
If the court, on application made under section 68, is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, the court may do 1 or more of the following things (irrespective of whether the thing or things were sought in the application):
(a)
discharge the child or young person, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, or both, from the proceedings without further order:
(b)
order that the child or young person, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, or both, come before the court, if called upon within 2 years of the making of the order, so that the court may take further action under this section:
(c)
order 1 or more of the following persons to receive counselling from such person or persons, and subject to such conditions, as are specified by the court:
(i)
the child or young person:
(ii)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(iii)
any person in respect of whose conduct a restraining order or an interim restraining order was sought or made in the proceedings:
(d)
make a services order under section 86:
(e)
make a restraining order under section 87:
(f)
make a support order under section 91:
(g)
make a custody order under section 101:
(h)
make an order under section 110 appointing a guardian of the child or young person.
(1A)
However, on an application under section 18A(4)(a) or 18D in relation to a person to whom section 18A applies, if the court is satisfied that the subsequent child is in need of care or protection on the ground in section 14(1)(c), the court must make a care or protection order referred to in subsection (1), unless it is satisfied that the person has demonstrated that they meet the requirements of section 18A(3).
(2)
Where the court makes an order under subsection (1)(c), sections 74 to 77 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to that order as if it were a direction made under section 74(1).
(2A)
[Repealed](2B)
[Repealed]Compare: 1974 No 72 s 31(1)(b), (c), (d), (h); 1983 No 129 s 7(1)
Section 83 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 52(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 83(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 52(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 83(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 52(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 83(2A): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 10 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 83(2B): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 10 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
84 Power to make other orders on ground of child’s offending
(1)
If, on an application under section 68, a court is satisfied that a child is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), the court may, in addition to or instead of making any order referred to in section 83(1), make any 1 or more of the following orders:
(a)
an order admonishing the child:
(b)
where the court is satisfied that any person (other than the child) suffered—
(i)
any emotional harm; or
(ii)
any loss of or damage to property—
through or by means of the child’s offending, an order directing the child, or any parent or guardian of the child, to pay to the person who suffered the emotional harm or the loss of or damage to property such sum as it thinks fit by way of reparation:
(c)
an order directing the child, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child, to deliver to the person who appears to the court to be entitled to it any property in the possession of the child or in the possession of any person for the child:
(d)
an order for the forfeiture of property to the Crown in any case where the forfeiture of that property would have been obligatory or could have been ordered under any enactment applicable to the offence if the child were an adult and had been convicted of an offence by the District Court.
(2)
Any sum ordered to be paid pursuant to subsection (1)(b) in respect of the loss of or damage to property shall be limited to the cost of replacement or (as the case may require) the cost of repair, and shall not include any loss or damage of a consequential nature.
(3)
No order shall be made under subsection (1)(b) against the chief executive or any other person who has been appointed to be a guardian of the child under section 110.
(4)
No order shall be made under subsection (1)(b) in respect of the parent or guardian of the child unless that parent or guardian has been informed by the court of the proposal to make the order and has been given an opportunity to make representations to the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 31(1)(e), (f), (g); 1985 No 120 s 22(5); 1987 No 168 s 4
Section 84 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 53(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 84(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 53(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 84(1)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 84(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
85 Recall to come before court
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 83(1)(b), the court may, at any time during the duration of the order, direct, on the application of—
(a)
the chief executive; or
(b)
a constable; or
(c)
the applicant in the proceedings in which the order was made,—
the issue to the person in respect of whom the order was made of a summons, in a form prescribed for the purposes of this subsection by rules of court, to appear before the court.
(2)
Where a person appears before the court on a summons issued under subsection (1), the court may consider the matter and after taking into account such factors as may be relevant since the making of the order, exercise any of the powers conferred on it under section 83 or section 84 except—
(a)
the power conferred by section 83(1)(b); and
(b)
where any power conferred by paragraph (b), paragraph (c), or paragraph (d) of section 84(1) was exercised in the first instance, any such power.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 31(2)
Section 85(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 85(1)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 85(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Services orders
86 Services orders
(1)
If, on an application under section 68, the court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, it may—
(a)
make an order directing the chief executive or any other person or organisation named in the order to provide such services and assistance as may be specified in the order for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be specified to a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(b)
make an order directing the chief executive or any other person or organisation named in the order to provide such services and assistance as may be specified in the order for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be specified to the child or young person.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under subsection (1) unless the chief executive (where the order is to be directed to the chief executive) or the person or organisation that would be required to provide services and assistance pursuant to the order (in any other case)—
(a)
is given notice of the court’s intention to consider making the order; and
(b)
is given an opportunity to appear and be heard by the court before the order is made; and
(c)
subject to subsection (3), consents to the making of the order.
(3)
An order directing the chief executive to provide services and assistance may be made under this section without the consent of the chief executive, but only if the court, after having regard to any reasons advanced on behalf of the chief executive as to why the order should not be made, is satisfied—
(a)
that requiring the chief executive to provide those services and assistance is not clearly impracticable; and
(b)
that the child or young person in respect of whom the court proposes to make an order under this section is in the care of a person or organisation clearly consistently with the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13.
Section 86: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 12 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 86(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 54(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 86(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 86(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 86(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 86(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 86(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 86(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 54(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
86A Interim services orders
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order in respect of a child or young person, the court may, on application by the applicant, or a barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, make such an order as it is empowered to make under section 86 pending the determination of the application.
Section 86A: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 12 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 86A: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 55 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
86B No services orders in respect of permanent caregivers
(1)
Despite sections 86 and 86A, a court must not make a services order or an interim services order under either of those sections in respect of—
(a)
a person who is, or is to be made, a permanent caregiver of a child or young person; or
(b)
a child or young person who is, or is to be, in the care of a permanent caregiver.
(2)
If a services order or an interim services order in respect of a permanent caregiver, or in respect of a child or young person in the care of a permanent caregiver, is in force on the date on which this section comes into force,—
(a)
on and from that date, sections 134 to 137 have no effect so far as they relate to the order; and
(b)
the order ceases to have effect on the date on which it is next due for review.
Section 86B: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 18 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Restraining orders
87 Restraining orders
(1)
If, on an application under section 68, the court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, or at any time after becoming satisfied that the child or young person is in need of care or protection, it may make an order restraining any person named in the order from doing all or any of the following things:
(a)
residing with the child or young person:
(b)
using or threatening violence or causing or threatening to cause physical harm to the child or young person:
(c)
molesting the child or young person by watching or besetting the child’s or young person’s place of residence, work, or education, or by following or waylaying the child or young person in any public place within the meaning of section 2 of the Summary Offences Act 1981, or by contacting the child or young person in any way:
(d)
molesting any person with whom the child or young person is residing by watching or besetting that person’s place of residence, work, or education, or by following or waylaying that person in any public place within the meaning of section 2 of the Summary Offences Act 1981, or by contacting that person in any way.
(1A)
However, if the court is already satisfied that the child or young person is in need of care or protection, a restraining order may, despite anything in section 70 or 72, be made under subsection (1) without a family group conference having been held under this Part.
(2)
Subject to any rules of court empowering the court to make an order under this section on an ex parte application, the court shall not make an order under this section restraining the conduct of any person unless that person has been informed by the court of the proposal to make the order and has been given an opportunity to make representations to the court.
Section 87(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 11(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 87(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 56 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 87(1A): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 11(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 87(2): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
88 Interim restraining orders
(1)
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order in respect of a child or young person, the court may, on application by the applicant, or a barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, make such an order as it is empowered to make under section 87 pending the determination of the application.
(2)
Even if there are no other proceedings under this Part in relation to a child or young person, the court may, on application by a person entitled to make an application under section 68 (the applicant), if it is satisfied that subsection (3) applies, make any order that it is empowered to make under section 87.
(3)
This subsection applies if it is in the best interests of the child or young person that an interim restraining order be granted as a matter of urgency.
(4)
An order under subsection (2) remains in force—
(a)
for the period specified in the order (not exceeding 28 days), unless it is earlier discharged by the court on application under section 125; or
(b)
until a later date (specified by the court in the order) that the court considers allows sufficient time for a family group conference to be held and, if necessary, an application for another care or protection order to be made.
Section 88(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 57(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 88(2): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 57(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 88(3): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 57(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 88(4): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 57(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
89 Offence to contravene restraining order or interim restraining order
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or to a fine not exceeding $2,000, who does any act in contravention of a restraining order or an interim restraining order.
Section 89: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
90 When restraining order shall cease to have effect
Where the court makes an order under section 87 or section 88 in relation to a child or young person, that order shall cease to have effect when that child or young person attains the age of 20 years or sooner marries or enters into a civil union.
Section 90: amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Support orders
91 Support orders
(1)
If, on an application under section 68, the court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, it may make an order directing the chief executive or any other person or organisation named in the order to provide support to that child or young person for such period (not exceeding 12 months) as is specified in the order.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under subsection (1) unless the chief executive (where the order is to be directed to the chief executive) or the person or organisation that would be required to provide support pursuant to the order (in any other case)—
(a)
is given notice of the court’s intention to consider making the order; and
(b)
is given an opportunity to appear and be heard by the court before the order is made; and
(c)
subject to subsection (3), consents to the making of the order.
(3)
An order directing the chief executive to provide support may be made under this section without the consent of the chief executive, but only if the court, after having regard to any reasons advanced on behalf of the chief executive as to why the order should not be made, is satisfied—
(a)
that requiring the chief executive to provide those services and assistance is not clearly impracticable; and
(b)
that the child or young person in respect of whom the court proposes to make an order under this section is in the care of a person or organisation clearly consistently with the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13.
Section 91: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 13 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 91(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 58(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 91(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 91(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 91(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 91(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 91(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 58(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
92 Interim support orders
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order in relation to a child or young person, the court may, on application by the applicant, or a barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, make such an order as it is empowered to make under section 91 pending the determination of the application.
Section 92: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 59 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
92A Restriction on support orders where there is permanent caregiver
(1)
A court must not make a support order or an interim support order under section 91 or 92 of a kind referred to in subsection (2) in respect of a child or young person who is, or who is to be, in the care of a permanent caregiver.
(2)
The kind of order that must not be made is an order directing the chief executive or any other person or organisation to provide financial or other assistance that could be provided by the chief executive under section 388 or 388A, whether or not that assistance is actually provided.
Section 92A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 19 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
93 Duty to provide support
Where an order is made under section 91 or section 92 in relation to a child or young person, it is the duty of the chief executive (where the order is directed to the chief executive) or the person or organisation directed to provide support pursuant to the order (in any other case)—
(a)
to monitor the standard of care, protection, and control being provided to, or exercised over, that child or young person; and
(b)
to provide, or co-ordinate the provision of, such services and resources (including financial services and resources), whether from the community or otherwise, as will ensure that appropriate care, protection, and control are provided to, or exercised over, that child or young person.
Section 93: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 14 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 93: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
94 Duty of chief executive to appoint social worker to provide support
[Repealed]Section 94: repealed, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
95 Conditions of support order or interim support order
(1)
If a court makes an order under section 91 or 92 directing that support be provided to a child or young person, the following conditions apply:
(a)
the support person may, at all reasonable times, visit and enter the building or place in which the child or young person is living:
(b)
the child or young person must not reside at an address at which, or with a person with whom, the support person has directed them not to reside:
(c)
the parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person and with whom the child or young person is residing must ensure that the support person knows at all times the address at which the child or young person is residing:
(d)
in the case of a child or young person who the court is satisfied is in need of care or protection on a ground in section 14(1)(d) or (e), the child or young person must not associate with any specified person or any specified class of persons that the support person has, in writing, warned them not to associate with.
(2)
For the purposes of this section and section 97, support person means any of the following people who are to provide or are providing support to a child or young person:
(a)
a person who has been delegated the chief executive’s functions or powers under section 93:
(b)
a person named in the order:
(c)
a person acting on behalf of an organisation named in the order.
Section 95: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 95(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 95(1)(d): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 12 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 95(1)(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
96 Power of court to impose additional conditions
(1)
The court, in making an order under section 91 or section 92 directing a person or organisation to provide support to a child or young person, may, in its discretion, impose any or all of the following conditions:
(a)
in the case of a child or young person who the court is satisfied, on an application made under section 68, is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(d) or (e),—
(i)
that the child or young person shall not associate with any specified person or with persons of any specified class:
(ii)
that the child or young person attend and remain at, for such weekday, evening, and weekend hours each week and for such number of months as the court thinks fit, any specified centre that is approved by the department and that conducts educational, recreational, instructional, cultural, or work programmes, or sporting activity, and take part in such activity as may be required by the person in charge of the centre:
(iii)
in the case of a child who the court is satisfied, on an application made under section 68, is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e), such other conditions as the court thinks fit to reduce the likelihood of further offending by the child:
(b)
that the child or young person shall undergo any specified medical examination and treatment or any specified psychological or psychiatric examination, counselling, and therapy:
(c)
such conditions relating to the child’s or young person’s place of residence as the court thinks fit.
(2)
The court shall not impose a condition under subsection (1)(a)(ii) without the consent of the child or young person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 47(1)(d), (e), (g), (i); 1983 No 129 s 12(1)
Section 96(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 61(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 96(1)(a)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 61(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
97 Court may impose conditions in respect of parent, guardian, etc, of child or young person
(1)
If a court makes an order under section 91 or 92 directing that support be provided to a child or young person of or over the age of 14 years and under 16 years, the court may impose any conditions the court thinks fit for the purposes of—
(a)
assisting any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, or any other person residing with the child or young person, to carry out their duties and responsibilities; and
(b)
promoting co-operation between the parents or guardians or other persons, the child or young person, and the support person.
(2)
The court shall not impose any conditions under subsection (1) unless the parent or guardian or other person having the care of, or residing with, the child or young person has been given an opportunity to make representations to the court and the court has regard to those representations.
Section 97(1): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 97(1)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
98 Court not to impose condition requiring medical treatment without person’s consent
The court shall not impose any condition under section 96 or section 97 requiring any person to undergo any medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination or treatment, or any psychological or psychiatric counselling or therapy, unless consent to the examination, treatment, or counselling is given—
(a)
in the case of a child or young person under the age of 16 years—
(i)
by a parent or guardian (not being the chief executive) of the child or young person; or
(ii)
if there is no such parent or guardian in New Zealand or no such parent or guardian can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a person in New Zealand who has been acting in the place of a parent; or
(iii)
if there is no person in New Zealand who has been so acting, or if no such person can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by the court or the chief executive:
(b)
in the case of any other person, by that person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 47(1)(e); 1983 No 129 s 12(1)
Section 98(a)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 98(a)(iii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
99 Person or organisation providing support to child or young person to report to court
If, under section 91, the chief executive or any other person or organisation is directed to provide support to a child or young person, the chief executive, person, or organisation must, on the expiry of the period stated in the order in which the direction is made, provide a written report to the court containing—
(a)
an assessment of the effectiveness of the order; and
(b)
a description of the child’s or young person’s response to it; and
(c)
any other information that they consider or it considers relevant.
Section 99: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 99(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
100 Failure to observe conditions of support order
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 91 or section 92 directing any person or organisation to provide support to a child or young person, the chief executive or that person or organisation may, in any case where the child or young person or a parent or guardian or other person having the care of, or residing with, the child or young person has failed to comply with a condition of the order (including any condition imposed under section 96 or section 97), apply to the court for a declaration that the child or young person or the parent or guardian or other person having the care of, or residing with, the child or young person has failed to comply with the condition.
(2)
The court may, on any application under subsection (1), where it is satisfied that any child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of, or residing with, the child or young person has failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the condition of the order, make such a declaration and make any order under section 127 as if an application had been made under section 125 in relation to the order.
(3)
Every application under this section shall be served on—
(a)
the child or young person to whom the order relates; and
(b)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; and
(c)
if the application relates to any person residing with the child or young person, that person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 48(1)–(3)
Section 100(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Custody orders
101 Custody orders
(1)
If a court, on application under section 68, is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, it may make an order placing that child or young person in the custody of any of the following persons for such period as may be specified in the order:
(a)
the chief executive:
(b)
an iwi social service:
(c)
a cultural social service:
(d)
the director of a child and family support service:
(e)
any other person.
(2)
Any such order may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
(3)
The court shall not make an order under subsection (1) placing any child or young person in the custody of any person (other than the chief executive) unless that person consents to the making of the order.
Section 101(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 62 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 101(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 101(1)(b): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 101(1)(c): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 101(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
102 Interim custody orders
(1)
Where the court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, it may, instead of making a final order under section 101, make an interim custody order under that section.
(2)
No interim custody order made pursuant to this section shall continue in force for more than 6 months after the date on which it is made.
(3)
Where an interim custody order is made pursuant to this section, the court may, on application by any person who was the applicant in the proceedings in which the order was made, or any person on whom the application in those proceedings was served in accordance with section 152, or the person in whose custody the child or young person was placed,—
(a)
make 1 but only 1 further interim custody order under section 101; or
(b)
make a final order under that section; or
(c)
make such other order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1) as the court thinks fit; or
(d)
dismiss the application.
Section 102(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 63 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
103 Court may impose conditions to facilitate return of child or young person
Where the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service, it may impose such conditions as it thinks fit for the purpose of facilitating the return of the child or young person to the parents or guardians or other persons previously having the care of the child or young person.
Section 103: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 103: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
104 Effect of custody order
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of any person,—
(a)
that person has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person as if a parenting order had been made under section 48(1) of the Care of Children Act 2004 giving that person the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person; and
(b)
except to the extent that they are preserved by the court in any order made under section 121, all the rights, powers, and duties of every other person having custody of the child or young person shall be suspended and shall have no effect; and
(c)
for the purposes of section 92 of the Care of Children Act 2004,—
(i)
the order constitutes an order about the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person; and
(ii)
the person in whose custody the child or young person is placed is a person who, under the order, has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person.
(2)
Any custody order shall be sufficient authority for any constable or the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) or any other person authorised in that behalf by the chief executive to place the child or young person to whom the order relates—
(a)
where the order places the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive, with such person, or in such residence, as the principal manager of the department for the area in which the court is situated may direct:
(b)
where the order places the child or young person in the custody of an iwi social service or a cultural social service, with such person as the convener of the social service directs:
(c)
where the order places the child or young person in the custody of the director of a child and family support service, with such person or in such residence as that director directs:
(d)
where the order places the child or young person in the custody of any other person, with that person.
(3)
Any person authorised by subsection (2) to place any child or young person with any person or in any residence—
(a)
may use such force as is reasonably necessary for that purpose:
(b)
may exercise that authority from time to time in order to return the child or young person to that person or residence:
(c)
for the purpose of exercising that authority,—
(i)
may enter and search any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place, with or without assistance and by force if necessary; and
(ii)
must, on first entering any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place and, if requested, at any subsequent time,—
(A)
produce evidence of their identity; and
(B)
disclose that they are exercising that authority under this Act.
Section 104(1)(a): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 104(1)(c): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 104(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 104(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 104(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 104(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 104(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 104(2)(b): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 104(3)(c): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 13 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
105 Living arrangements for child or young person placed in custody of chief executive
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive,—
(a)
the chief executive may transfer the child or young person from one residence under this Act to any other residence under this Act:
(b)
the chief executive, may arrange for the child or young person—
(i)
to be placed in any residence:
(ii)
to be placed in any school or other institution that provides care or training or physical or mental health care:
(iii)
to undertake employment or any training for employment:
(c)
the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate), may arrange for the child or young person to live temporarily with the parents or guardians or other person previously having the care of the child or young person or with any other person, on such terms and conditions as the delegate may specify:
(d)
the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate), may at any time cancel any arrangement made under paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) and, after any such cancellation, may remove the child or young person to a residence or to such other place as the delegate may decide, using such force as is reasonably necessary for that purpose.
(2)
For the purpose of removing any child or young person pursuant to subsection (1)(d), a delegate may enter and search any dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place, with or without assistance and by force if necessary.
(3)
A delegate exercising any powers under subsection (2) shall, on first entering any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place, and, if requested, at any subsequent time—
(a)
produce evidence of identity; and
(b)
disclose that those powers are being exercised under subsection (2).
Section 105 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 105(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 105(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 105(1)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 105(1)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 105(1)(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 105(1)(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 105(1)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 105(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 105(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
106 Living arrangements where child or young person placed in custody of iwi social service, etc
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service, the convener of the social service or the director of that support service, as the case may require,—
(a)
may from time to time direct that the child or young person be removed from the person with whom or the residence in which that child or young person was placed pursuant to section 104 and placed with some other person or in some other residence; and
(b)
may request the chief executive or any constable to assist in carrying out any direction given under paragraph (a).
(1A)
Any delegate of the chief executive or any constable who is providing assistance under subsection (1)(b) may use such force as is reasonably necessary to do so.
(2)
For the purposes of assisting in the carrying out of any direction given under subsection (1)(a), any delegate or constable may exercise the powers conferred by section 105(2), and the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of section 105 shall apply accordingly with all necessary modifications.
Section 106: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 106(1)(b): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 106(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 106(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 106(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
107 Person in whose custody child or young person is placed may determine access rights in absence of court order
Where—
(a)
the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of any person; and
(b)
the court has not made an order under section 113B(1)(b) or section 121 granting any person access to the child or young person,—
the person in whose custody the child or young person is placed shall, subject to any order of any court, have the sole authority to decide whether, and on what terms and conditions (if any), any person is to have access to the child or young person.
Section 107(b): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 20 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
108 When custody order shall cease to have effect
Where the court makes an order under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of any person, that order shall cease to have effect when—
(a)
the order expires in accordance with section 102; or
(b)
the terms of the order expire; or
(c)
in the case of a young person, that young person attains the age of 18 years; or
(d)
in the case of a young person, that young person marries or enters into a civil union; or
(e)
the child or young person is adopted by any person other than a parent of the child or young person—
whichever first occurs.
Section 108(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 108(d): amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
109 Custody to revert on expiry of order
Where an order made under section 101 placing a child or young person in the custody of any person expires, custody of the child or young person shall revert to the person having custody of the child or young person immediately before the order was made.
Guardianship orders
110 Guardianship orders
(1)
Where the court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, or on an application referred to in section 110A, it may make an order appointing any of the following persons to be a guardian of the child or young person:
(a)
the chief executive:
(b)
an iwi social service:
(c)
a cultural social service:
(d)
the director of a child and family support service:
(e)
any other person.
(2)
A guardian appointed under subsection (1) must be appointed as—
(a)
the sole guardian of the child or young person; or
(b)
a guardian of the child or young person in addition to any other guardian.
(3)
The director of a child and family support service may not be appointed as the sole guardian of a child or young person.
(4)
[Repealed]Section 110: replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 110(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 64 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 110(4): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 14 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
110AA Interim guardianship orders
(1)
In any proceedings in a court under this Part in relation to a child or young person, the court may, on the application of any party to the proceedings, or on its own motion, make an order that it is empowered to make under section 110 on an interim basis pending the determination of the proceedings.
(2)
An interim guardianship order may be made only if the immediate needs of the child or young person cannot be met without making the order.
(3)
An interim guardianship order must not continue in force for more than 6 months after the date on which it is made.
(4)
If an interim guardianship order is made, the court may, on application by any person who was the applicant in the proceedings in which the order was made, or any person on whom the application in those proceedings was served in accordance with section 152, or the person in whose custody the child or young person was placed,—
(a)
make 1, but only 1, further interim guardianship order under this section; or
(b)
make a final order under section 110; or
(c)
make any other order referred to in section 83(1) or 84(1) that the court considers appropriate; or
(d)
dismiss the application.
(5)
Even if there are no other proceedings under this Part in relation to a child or young person, the court may, on application by a person entitled to make an application under section 68 (the applicant), if it is satisfied that subsection (6) applies, make an interim guardianship order.
(6)
This subsection applies if it is in the best interests of the child or young person that an interim guardianship order be made as a matter of urgency.
(7)
An order under subsection (5) remains in force—
(a)
for the period specified in the order (not exceeding 28 days) unless it is earlier discharged by the court on application under section 125; or
(b)
until a later date (specified by the court in the order) that the court considers allows sufficient time for a family group conference to be held and, if necessary, an application for another care or protection order to be made.
Section 110AA: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 65 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
110A Application for change of guardianship order
(1)
If a person is, in relation to a child or young person, a permanent caregiver who is not a special guardian, the person may, with the leave of the court, make a combined application for a guardianship order under section 110 and a special guardianship order under section 113A.
(2)
Leave of the court may be given only if the court is satisfied that—
(a)
the application is made with the intention of replacing a guardianship order made under section 27 of the Care of Children Act 2004 and all associated parenting orders under section 48 of that Act with the guardianship orders referred to in subsection (1); and
(b)
the person has exercised all mechanisms available under the Care of Children Act 2004 to resolve disputes with any parent or other guardian of the child or young person that relate to the circumstances referred to in subsection (4)(a).
(3)
An application under this section must be treated as if it were an application under section 125 for the variation or discharge of an order made under Part 2, and, for that purpose, must be served and heard in accordance with Part 3 (with any necessary modifications).
(4)
On an application under this section, the court may make the orders applied for only if—
(a)
the court is satisfied that—
(i)
the person has been unable to effectively exercise their guardianship responsibilities or responsibilities to provide day-to-day care to the child or young person under the orders made under the Care of Children Act 2004; and
(ii)
that inability is due to the conduct of the parents or other guardians of the child or young person, and that conduct forms a pattern of behaviour; and
(iii)
the child’s or young person’s well-being is being threatened or seriously disturbed as a result; and
(b)
following an application under section 29A of the Care of Children Act 2004, the court will at the same time revoke both the person’s appointment as a guardian under that Act and any associated parenting orders under section 48 of that Act.
Section 110A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 110A(4)(a)(i): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 110A(4)(a)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 66 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
111 Person not to be appointed as guardian without consent
The court shall not make an order under section 110 appointing any person (other than the chief executive) as a guardian unless—
(a)
it gives notice of its intention to consider making the order to that person; and
(b)
that person is given an opportunity to appear and be heard by the court before the court makes such an order; and
(c)
that person consents to the making of the order.
Section 111: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
112 Chief executive may be appointed as guardian for specific purpose
Any order under section 110 appointing the chief executive as a guardian may specify that the appointment is for a particular purpose only.
Section 112 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 112: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
113 Court may impose conditions to facilitate return of child or young person
Where the court makes an order under section 110 appointing the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service to be the sole guardian of a child or young person, it may impose such conditions as it thinks fit for the purpose of facilitating the return of the child or young person to the parents or guardians or other persons previously having the care of the child or young person.
Section 113: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 113: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
113A Special guardianship orders
(1AA)
If a person who is appointed as a sole or additional guardian of a child or young person under section 110 is a natural person, the court may make an order appointing the person as a special guardian of the child or young person (including when the order under section 110 is made at a hearing under section 127).
(1)
The court may make an order under this section appointing a person as a special guardian of a child or young person only if—
(a)
the appointment is made for the purpose of providing the child or young person with a long-term, safe, nurturing, stable, and secure environment that enhances their interests; and
(b)
either—
(i)
the child or young person has no other guardian; or
(ii)
the special guardian either replaces, or is additional to, an existing guardian of the child or young person.
(2)
For the purposes of this section and section 113B, existing guardian means any person (other than a special guardian) who is a guardian of the child or young person, or who would be a guardian of the child or young person if the court had not made a guardianship order under section 110.
Section 113A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 22 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 113A(1AA): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 15(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 113A(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 15(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 113A(1)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
113B Effect of special guardianship order
(1)
Where a special guardianship order is made in respect of a child or young person, then, whether the special guardian is a sole or additional guardian and despite anything in this section,—
(a)
the special guardian has custody of the child or young person, and—
(i)
no order under section 101 may be made in respect of the child or young person; but
(ii)
section 114(2)(b) and (c) applies as if the special guardian were a sole guardian; and
(b)
the order must specify the access and other rights (not being custody or guardianship rights), including any terms and conditions that apply to those rights, of each existing guardian in relation to the child or young person.
(2)
Where a special guardianship order specifies the access and other rights of any existing guardian,—
(a)
no existing guardian may apply for an order under section 121(2)(d) or (e) concerning their access or other rights in relation to the child or young person, but any other parent or person may apply for orders under that section in relation to the child or young person, as if the special guardian were a sole guardian; and
(b)
section 122 applies to any access rights specified in the order as if those access rights had been granted by an order made under section 121.
(3)
If a person who is appointed as the sole guardian of a child or young person is also appointed as a special guardian, the provisions of this Act relating to sole guardians apply, except that—
(a)
sections 134 and 135 (about reviewing plans) do not apply to the court plan that was prepared for the purposes of section 128; and
(b)
despite section 117(1)(a), the order ceases to have effect when the child or young person attains the age of 18 years or sooner marries or enters into a civil union.
(4)
If a person who is appointed as an additional guardian of a child or young person is also appointed as a special guardian,—
(a)
the order must set out which guardianship rights (which may include those set out in section 16(2) of the Care of Children Act 2004) are to be held exclusively by the special guardian and which are to be shared between the existing guardian and the special guardian; and
(b)
the order must require that the existing guardian is informed of any decisions made by the special guardian in the exercise of any guardianship rights held exclusively by the special guardian; and
(c)
the provisions of this Act relating to additional guardians apply, except as follows:
(i)
no existing guardian may apply under section 115 in respect of any guardianship rights held exclusively by the special guardian; and
(ii)
sections 134 and 135 (about reviewing plans) do not apply to the court plan that was prepared for the purposes of section 128; and
(iii)
despite section 117(1)(a), the order ceases to have effect when the child or young person attains the age of 18 years or sooner marries or enters into a civil union.
(5)
Every special guardianship order must require that, if the child or young person to whom the order applies begins to live with anyone other than the special guardian on more than a temporary basis, the special guardian must,—
(a)
if the child or young person, immediately before the guardianship order was made, was in the custody of the chief executive or a natural person, advise the chief executive; or
(b)
if the child or young person, immediately before the guardianship order was made, was in the custody of an iwi social service, cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service, advise that service or director, as appropriate.
(6)
The obligation on the chief executive imposed by section 7(2)(e) does not apply in respect of a child or young person in respect of whom a special guardianship order is made.
(7)
If a child or young person has more than 1 existing guardian, or more than 1 special guardian, this section and any other applicable sections must be applied with all necessary modifications to each existing guardian and each special guardian.
Section 113B: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 22 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 113B(2)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 113B(2)(a): amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 13 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 113B(5)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
114 Effect of guardianship order
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 110 appointing any person as a guardian of any child or young person (whether as sole guardian or as a guardian in addition to any other person),—
(a)
that person shall be a guardian of that child or young person as if that person had been appointed under section 27 of the Care of Children Act 2004; and
(b)
if the child or young person is, at the time of the making of the order, under the guardianship of the court under an order made under the Care of Children Act 2004, that guardianship is suspended during the time when the person appointed under section 110 is the guardian (subject to section 117(2)).
(2)
Where the court makes an order under section 110 appointing any person as the sole guardian of any child or young person,—
(a)
except to the extent that they are preserved by any other order made under this Act, all of the rights, powers and duties of every other person who is the guardian of that child or young person, or who may become a guardian during the time when the person appointed under that section is the guardian, shall be suspended and shall have no effect; and
(b)
for the purposes of section 92 of the Care of Children Act 2004,—
(i)
the order constitutes an order about the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person; and
(ii)
the person in whose custody the child or young person is placed is a person who, under the order, has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person; and
(c)
subject to any custody order made by the court under section 101, the child or young person shall be deemed to have been placed in the custody of that person pursuant to that section, and the provisions of sections 104 to 107, so far as applicable and with all necessary modifications, shall apply accordingly.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49(1); 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 114(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 114(1)(b): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
Section 114(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 114(2)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
115 Disputes between guardians
Where—
(a)
pursuant to section 110, any person is appointed as guardian of a child or young person in addition to any other guardian; and
(b)
those guardians are unable to agree on any matter concerning the exercise of their guardianship,—
any of those guardians may apply to the court for its direction, and the court may make such order relating to the matter as it thinks fit.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 13
116 Review of guardian’s decision or refusal to give consent
(1)
For the purposes of this section young person means a boy or girl of or over the age of 14 years but under 20 years.
(2)
Where—
(a)
a young person is affected by a decision or by a refusal of consent by a guardian appointed under section 110 or 113A; and
(b)
that decision or refusal of consent is in respect of an important matter,—
that young person may apply to the court for a review of that decision or refusal.
(3)
Where an application is made under this section in respect of a decision or refusal, the court may, if it thinks it reasonable in the circumstances to do so, review the decision or refusal and make such order in respect of that decision or refusal as it thinks fit.
(4)
Any consent given by the court pursuant to this section shall have the same effect as if it had been given by the guardian.
(5)
[Repealed]Compare: 1968 No 63 s 14; 1971 No 149 s 3
Section 116(2)(a): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 16 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 116(5): repealed, on 14 August 2018, by section 36 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
117 When guardianship orders to cease to have effect
(1)
Every guardianship order made under section 110 shall cease to have effect when—
(a)
the young person to whom it relates attains the age of 20 years or sooner marries or enters into a civil union; or
(b)
the child or young person to whom it relates is adopted by any person other than its parents—
whichever occurs first.
(2)
A guardianship order made under section 110 ceases to have effect if, after it is made, a court having jurisdiction under section 31 of the Care of Children Act 2004—
(a)
orders that the child or young person to whom the order relates be placed under the guardianship of the court under that Act; or
(b)
orders that the child or young person must continue to be under the guardianship of the court, if the child or young person was under the guardianship of the court at the time of the making of the order under section 110.
(3)
Subsection (2) does not apply if the court making an order under that subsection orders that a guardianship order under section 110 continues in force.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49(7), (8); 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 117(1)(a): amended, on 26 April 2005, by section 7 of the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3).
Section 117(2): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
Section 117(2): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 117(3): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
118 Reversion of guardianship on expiry or discharge of guardianship order
Where an order made under section 110 expires or is discharged, guardianship of the child or young person in respect of whom the order is made shall revert to the person who would have been the guardian of the child or young person if the order had never been made unless some other person has in the meantime become entitled to guardianship by virtue of an order made under the Adoption Act 1955 in which case guardianship shall revert to the person so entitled.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49(9); 1983 No 129 s 13
119 Guardianship of child or young person on death of person appointed as guardian under this Act
On the death of any person (being a person referred to in subsection (1)(e) of section 110) appointed the guardian of a child or young person pursuant to an order made under that section, and who at the time of that person’s death was the sole guardian of the child or young person, guardianship of the child or young person shall vest,—
(a)
where an iwi social service or a cultural social service was the sole guardian of the child or young person immediately before that person’s appointment, in that iwi social service or cultural social service as if that social service had been appointed the sole guardian of the child or young person:
(b)
in any other case, in the chief executive as if the chief executive had been appointed the sole guardian of the child or young person.
Section 119(a): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 119(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Effect of custody and guardianship orders on jurisdiction under Care of Children Act 2004
Heading: amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
120 Restriction on making of guardianship and parenting orders under Care of Children Act 2004
(1)
If a child or young person is subject to an order made under section 78 or section 101 or section 110 of this Act, none of the following may be made under the Care of Children Act 2004:
(a)
an order in respect of the guardianship of that child or young person; and
(b)
an order about the role of providing day-to-day care for that child or young person; and
(c)
an order for contact with that child or young person.
(1A)
Subsection (1) is subject to subsection (2) and section 117(2).
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) affects the power of a court having jurisdiction under section 31 of the Care of Children Act 2004 to make an order under that section in respect of any child or young person who is subject to an order made under section 78 or section 101.
Section 120 heading: amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 120(1): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 120(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 120(2): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
Section 120(2): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Access and exercise of other rights
121 Court may make orders for access and exercise of other rights by parents and other persons
(1)
Where an application is made to the court under section 44 in respect of any child or young person, the court may make an order granting access to that child or young person to the applicant.
(2)
Where the court—
(a)
makes an order under section 78 relating to the custody of a child or young person; or
(b)
makes a custody order or an interim custody order under section 101 in relation to a child or young person; or
(c)
makes an order under section 110 or 110AA appointing the chief executive or any other person the sole guardian of a child or young person,—
(ca)
[Repealed]it may, on making the order, or at any time after making the order, on application made by any parent of the child or young person or any other person, make an order—
(d)
granting access to that child or young person to that parent or other person:
(e)
conferring on that parent or other person such rights in relation to the child or young person as it thinks fit.
(3)
Any order made under subsection (1) or subsection (2) may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
Section 121(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 67(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 121(2)(c): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 17 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 121(2)(ca): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 17 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
122 Enforcement of access rights
(1)
The court may at any time, on the application of any person entitled to access to a child or young person under an order made under section 121, issue a warrant authorising the chief executive or any constable or any other person named in the warrant to take possession of the child or young person and deliver that child or young person to the person entitled to access in accordance with the order.
(1A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(2)
The power conferred on the court by subsection (1) may, if the court thinks fit, be exercised on the making of the order.
(3)
Where, pursuant to this section, the court declines to enforce a right of access under an order made under section 121, it may of its own motion vary or discharge the order accordingly.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 19(2), (3), (8); 1979 No 52 s 3(1); 1980 No 95 s 9(c)
Section 122(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 122(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 122(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 122(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
123 Power of entry
For the purpose of executing any warrant issued under section 122, any delegate of the chief executive or constable or any other person named in the warrant may enter and search any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place, with or without assistance and by force if necessary.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 19(4)
Section 123: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 123: amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
124 Person executing warrant to produce evidence of authority and identity
[Repealed]Section 124: repealed, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
Variation and discharge of orders
125 Application for variation or discharge of orders made under this Part
(1)
Any 1 or more of the persons specified in section 126 may, subject to that section, apply to the court for the variation or discharge of any of the following orders, or for the variation or cancellation of any condition of any such order:
(a)
an order made under section 78 relating to the custody of a child or young person:
(b)
an order made under section 83(1)(c) requiring any person to receive counselling:
(c)
an order made under section 84(1)(b) directing the payment of reparation for any emotional harm or the loss of or damage to property:
(d)
any services order or interim services order made under section 86 or section 86A:
(e)
any restraining order or interim restraining order made under section 87 or section 88:
(f)
any custody order or interim custody order made under section 101:
(g)
any guardianship order made under section 110 or an interim guardianship order made under section 110AA:
(ga)
any special guardianship order made under section 113A (but only with leave, as required by subsection (1A)):
(h)
any order made under section 121 granting access to, or conferring rights in respect of, any child or young person.
(1A)
Leave of the court must be obtained before an application is made for the variation or discharge of a special guardianship order made under section 113A, unless—
(a)
the application is made by the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service; or
(b)
all parties to the proposed application agree to the making of the application.
(1B)
Leave may be given for the purpose of subsection (1A) only if—
(a)
in the case of an application for discharge, there has been a significant change in the circumstances of the child or young person to whom the order relates; and
(b)
in the case of an application for variation, there has been a significant change in the circumstances of the child or young person to whom the order relates, or in the circumstances of their parents or any guardian.
(2)
Any 1 or more of the persons specified in section 126 may, subject to that section, apply to the court for the variation, suspension, or discharge of any support order or interim support order made under section 91 or section 92, or for the variation, suspension, or cancellation of any condition of any such order.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 64
Section 125(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 68(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 125(1)(d): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 16(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 125(1)(g): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 68(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 125(1)(ga): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 23(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 125(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 23(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 125(1A)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 125(1B): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 23(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 125(1B)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
126 Persons who may apply for variation or discharge of order
The following persons may make an application under section 125 in respect of an order specified in that section:
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the order was made:
(b)
any parent or guardian of that child or young person:
(c)
any barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person:
(d)
any near relative of that child or young person:
(e)
any member of that child’s or young person’s whanau or family group:
(f)
any person on whom the application for a care or protection order has been served in accordance with section 152:
(g)
the chief executive:
(h)
the director of any child and family support service:
(i)
any iwi social service or cultural social service:
(j)
in respect of an order made under section 83(1)(c), any person required to receive counselling pursuant to that order:
(k)
in respect of any services order or interim services order made under section 86 or section 86A, any person or organisation required to provide services or assistance pursuant to the order:
(l)
in respect of any restraining order or interim restraining order made under section 87 or section 88, any person named in that order:
(m)
in respect of any support order or interim support order made under section 91 or section 92, any person or organisation directed, pursuant to that order, to provide support to a child or young person:
(n)
in respect of any custody order or interim custody order made under section 101, or any order made under section 78, any person granted custody of the child or young person by that order:
(o)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
Section 126(f): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 18 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 126(g): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 126(i): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 126(k): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 17 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
126A Court may direct holding of family group conference to consider application
(1)
Where an application is made under section 125, the court, at any stage of the proceedings, may direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering such matters relating to the child or young person as the court directs, and may adjourn the hearing of the application until the conference has been held.
(2)
The provisions of sections 20 to 36 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to the convening of a family group conference for the purposes of this section.
Section 126A: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 18 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
127 Court may vary or discharge order
(1)
On the hearing of any application under section 125(1) for the variation or discharge of any order, or the variation or discharge of any condition of any order, the court may—
(a)
vary the order in such manner as it thinks fit:
(b)
discharge the order:
(c)
discharge the order and substitute any other order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1):
(ca)
make any order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1) in addition to the order (whether or not the court exercises any other power specified in paragraph (a) or any of paragraphs (d) to (g) in relation to the order):
(d)
vary any condition of the order in such manner as it thinks fit:
(e)
discharge any condition of the order:
(f)
discharge any condition of the order and substitute any condition that could have been imposed when the order was first made:
(g)
impose a further condition of the order.
(2)
On the hearing of any application under section 125(2) for the variation, suspension, or discharge of any support order or interim support order made under section 91 or section 92, or for the variation, suspension, or cancellation of any condition of any such order, the court may—
(a)
vary the order in such manner as it thinks fit:
(b)
suspend the order for such period as may be specified:
(c)
discharge the order:
(d)
discharge the order and substitute any other order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1):
(da)
make any order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1) in addition to the order (whether or not the court exercises any other power specified in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) or any of paragraphs (e) to (i) in relation to the order):
(e)
vary any condition of the order in such manner as it thinks fit:
(f)
suspend any condition of the order for such period as may be specified:
(g)
discharge any condition of the order:
(h)
discharge any condition of the order and substitute any condition that could have been imposed when the order was first made:
(i)
impose a further condition of the order.
(2A)
Despite subsections (1) and (2), the court may not, under either of those subsections, vary an interim order to make it a final order unless the court decides that the child or young person is in need of care or protection.
(3)
Where the court makes any order under this section, the court may, where it considers it necessary or desirable to do so, make such order under section 134 as it thinks fit with respect to any plan or revised plan in force concerning the child or young person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 64
Section 127(1)(ca): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 19(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 127(2)(da): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 19(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 127(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 69 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 127(3): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 19(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Plans for children and young persons
128 Court to obtain and consider plan for child or young person before making certain orders
(1)
Where the court proposes to make any 1 or more of the orders specified in subsection (2) in respect of any child or young person, the court shall, before making any such order, obtain, in relation to that child or young person, a plan prepared in accordance with sections 129 and 130.
(2)
The orders referred to in subsection (1) are as follows:
(a)
a services order under section 86:
(b)
a support order under section 91 in respect of any child or young person:
(c)
an order (other than an interim order) under section 101 placing any child or young person in the custody of any person:
(d)
an order under section 110 appointing any person as the sole guardian of a child or young person:
(e)
a special guardianship order under section 113A.
(2A)
An applicant for an order may prepare a plan, that the court is required to obtain to make the order, and file it in accordance with subsection (3A) without a direction from the court.
(3)
Where, pursuant to subsection (1), the court is required to obtain a plan in relation to a child or young person, that plan shall be prepared notwithstanding that a plan prepared pursuant to this section is already in force in relation to that child or young person, and on the preparation of that plan any plan already in force in relation to the child or young person shall cease to be in force.
(3A)
A plan prepared under subsection (1) or (2A) must be filed with the court not later than 10 working days before the date set for the hearing to determine whether an order specified in subsection (2) should be made.
(4)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), where—
(a)
the court proposes to make an order in respect of a child or young person; and
(b)
but for this subsection, the court would be required, pursuant to subsection (1), to obtain a plan in respect of the order; and
(c)
the making of the order would be in accordance with a decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference; and
(d)
that conference has already formulated, in respect of the child or young person, a plan that complies with the requirements of section 130; and
(e)
either—
(i)
that plan was prepared in consultation with the chief executive; or
(ii)
the chief executive consents to that plan being treated as a plan obtained by the court pursuant to subsection (1),—
the court may treat that plan as a plan obtained by the court pursuant to subsection (1), and that subsection and the other provisions of this Act that relate to plans obtained pursuant to that subsection shall apply accordingly as if the plan had been prepared by the chief executive.
Section 128(2)(a): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 20(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 128(2)(e): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 24 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 128(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 70(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 128(3A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 70(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 128(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 20(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 128(4): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 128(4)(e)(i): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 128(4)(e)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 128(4)(e)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
129 Court to direct who is to prepare plan
(1)
Where, pursuant to section 128, the court is required to obtain a plan in respect of any order, the plan must be prepared by the applicant for the order, or any other person that the court directs.
(1A)
Where—
(a)
a person prepares a plan; and
(b)
that person is not the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate); and
(c)
that plan has any implications for the chief executive,—
the plan shall be of no effect unless it has been prepared in consultation with the chief executive or the chief executive’s representative, and contains an express statement to the effect.
(1B)
For the purposes of subsection (1A), a plan has implications for the chief executive if it proposes that—
(a)
the chief executive be required to provide services or assistance pursuant to a services order under section 86; or
(b)
the chief executive be required to provide support pursuant to a support order under section 91; or
(c)
a child or young person be placed in the custody or care of the chief executive; or
(d)
the chief executive be appointed as the sole guardian, or as an additional guardian, of a child or young person; or
(e)
a child or young person receive counselling or other services under this Act, where that counselling or those services would be provided at the department’s expense; or
(f)
either—
(i)
a child or young person be placed in the custody or care of any person or organisation; or
(ii)
any person or organisation be appointed as the sole guardian, or as an additional guardian, of a child or young person,—
and that the chief executive provide financial assistance to that person or organisation; or
(g)
any order (whether a services order under section 86 or a support order under section 91, or any other order) be made in relation to any person or organisation, and that the chief executive provide financial assistance to that person or organisation for the purpose of assisting that person or organisation to give effect to the order.
(2)
Where the court considers that any plan prepared pursuant to section 128 is inadequate, it may direct the person who prepared the plan to furnish to the court a revised plan, and may indicate any specific matter that it requires to be dealt with in that plan.
Section 129(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 71(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 129(1A): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 129(1A): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 129(1A): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1A)(a): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 71(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 129(1A)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 129(1A)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 129(1A)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 129(1B): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(f): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 129(1B)(g): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
130 Content of plans
(1)
Every plan prepared pursuant to section 128 in respect of a child or young person shall—
(a)
specify the objectives sought to be achieved for that child or young person, and the period within which those objectives should be achieved:
(b)
contain details of the services and assistance to be provided for that child or young person and for any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
specify the persons or organisations who will provide such services and assistance:
(d)
state the responsibilities and personal objectives of the child or young person:
(e)
state the responsibilities and personal objectives of any parent, guardian, or other person who, under the plan, will have the care of the child or young person:
(ea)
set out the following:
(i)
the responsibilities and personal objectives of any parent, guardian, or other person who, under the plan, will not have the care of the child or young person, but who had the care of the child or young person previously and wishes to have the child or young person returned to that person’s care:
(ii)
the steps that each such parent, guardian, or other person must take, or the behavioural changes each must make, before the child or young person can be returned to that person’s care:
(iii)
the time frames within which those steps or changes must be taken or made:
(iv)
the time within which a decision will be made about whether to return the child or young person to the care of any parent, guardian, or other person:
(f)
contain such other matters relating to the education, employment, recreation, and well-being of the child or young person as are relevant.
(2)
A plan need not contain the matters set out in subsection (1)(ea) if the plan is prepared on the basis that there is no realistic possibility that the child or young person will be returned to the care of a parent, guardian, or other person referred to in subsection (1)(ea)(i), or if the plan relates only to a services order under section 86 or a support order under section 91.
(3)
If a plan does not contain the matters set out in subsection (1)(ea), it must, instead, set out the child’s or young person’s long-term needs and proposals for how those needs will be met (unless the plan relates only to a services order or a support order).
Section 130(1)(d): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 25(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 130(1)(e): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 25(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 130(1)(ea): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 25(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 130(1)(ea)(i): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 130(1)(ea)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 130(1)(f): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 72 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 130(2): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 25(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 130(3): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 25(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
131 Adjournment for purposes of obtaining plan
(1)
Any adjournment for the purposes of obtaining a plan pursuant to section 128 shall not exceed 28 days unless the court in any special case otherwise determines, but may otherwise be on such conditions as the court thinks fit.
(2)
If any proceedings are adjourned for the purposes of obtaining any plan under section 128, the person responsible for preparing the plan must make all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the plan is filed with the court at least 10 working days before the date set for the hearing.
Section 131(2): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 73 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
132 Access to plans
(1)
Subject to section 133, a copy of every plan furnished to the court pursuant to section 128 shall be given by the Registrar of the court—
(a)
to every person entitled to appear and be heard on the application to which the plan relates and to any barrister or solicitor appearing for that person:
(b)
to any lay advocate, barrister or solicitor, or other person representing the child or young person to whom the application relates or a parent or guardian or other person usually having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
to the chief executive:
(d)
to any other person whom the court considers has a proper interest in receiving a copy of the plan.
(2)
Every such copy shall, wherever possible, be supplied not later than 5 working days before the sitting of the court.
Section 132(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 132(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 74 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
133 Court may order plan not to be disclosed
The court may order that the whole or any part of a plan given to any person pursuant to section 132(1) shall not be disclosed to any person specified in the order where it is satisfied that such disclosure would be, or would be likely to be, detrimental to the physical or mental health, or the emotional well-being, of any child or young person or other person to whom the plan relates.
134 Court to set date for review of plan
(1)
Where a plan is prepared pursuant to section 128 in respect of any child or young person, the court shall, on making any of the orders referred to in subsection (2) of that section in respect of that child or young person, fix a date by which a review of that plan is to be carried out.
(2)
The date fixed pursuant to subsection (1) on the making of an order shall be,—
(a)
where the order is made in respect of a child under the age of 7 years, not later than 6 months from the date of the making of the order:
(b)
in any other case, not later than 12 months from the date of the making of the order.
(3)
The court shall not fix a date pursuant to subsection (1) that is later than the date on which any order made, or proposed to be made, pursuant to this Part in respect of the child or young person is to expire.
(4)
On fixing a date pursuant to subsection (1), the court may also direct who is to review the plan pursuant to section 135. If the court does not make such a direction, the person who prepared the plan shall be deemed to have been directed pursuant to this subsection to review the plan.
(5)
The court may at any time, on the application of any party to the proceedings, or a barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, amend any direction made or deemed to have been made under subsection (4), or revoke any such direction and substitute another direction.
Section 134(2)(a): amended, on 1 November 1989, by section 6(1)(c) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70).
Section 134(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 22(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 134(5): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 22(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
135 Review of plan
(1)
Subject to section 127(3), the person who is directed, pursuant to section 134, to review a plan prepared under section 128 in respect of a child or young person shall, not later than the date fixed pursuant to section 134 for the review of that plan, review that plan and furnish to the court a report setting out the results of that review, together with a revised plan in respect of that child or young person.
(2)
Section 130 shall apply to a revised plan as if it were a plan required to be prepared pursuant to section 128.
(3)
Every report furnished to the court pursuant to subsection (1) in respect of the review of a plan shall—
(a)
state which of the objectives set out in the plan have been achieved and which of those objectives are yet to be achieved:
(b)
state, in respect of those objectives that are yet to be achieved, what action is required to achieve those objectives:
(c)
state, in respect of any order made by the court under this Part in relation to the child or young person to whom the plan relates, whether that order should continue in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and whether any condition of that order should be continued in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and the reasons for those recommendations:
(d)
state whether the court should make any other order under this Part in relation to that child or young person, and the reasons for that recommendation:
(e)
state, in respect of those persons who were required to be given a copy of the plan pursuant to section 132, whether each of those persons agrees with the recommendations contained in the report:
(f)
contain the matters referred to in section 186(2A).
(4)
On the request of a person who is required to review a plan, for the purpose of reviewing the plan a care and protection co-ordinator—
(a)
must convene a family group conference, unless the plan relates only to a services order under section 86; and
(b)
may convene a family group conference if the plan relates only to a services order.
(5)
The provisions of sections 20 to 36 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to the convening of a family group conference for the purposes of subsection (4).
Section 135(1): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 23(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 135(3)(f): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 75 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 135(4): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 26 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 135(5): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 23(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
136 Access to reports and revised plans
The provisions of sections 132 and 133 shall apply, with such modifications as may be necessary, with respect to every report, and every revised plan, furnished to the court pursuant to section 135.
137 Court to consider report and make directions
(1)
Where a report is furnished to the court pursuant to section 135 in respect of the review of any plan prepared in relation to any child or young person, the court shall consider the report and the accompanying revised plan, and may do any 1 or more of the following things:
(a)
in relation to any order that is in force under this Part and that relates to that child or young person,—
(i)
make any order under section 127 as if an application had been made under section 125 in relation to that order; or
(ii)
direct any person to make an application under section 125 in relation to that order:
(b)
make, in respect of that child or young person, any order referred to in section 83(1) or section 84(1):
(c)
direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering such matters relating to that child or young person as the court may specify:
(d)
require any person to appear before the court for the purpose of being examined as to any matter relating to, or arising out of,—
(i)
the plan prepared pursuant to section 128:
(ii)
the report furnished under section 135 on the review of that plan:
(iii)
the revised plan accompanying that report:
(e)
where the court considers that the report furnished under section 135, or the revised plan, or both, are inadequate, direct the person who prepared the report to furnish to the court a further report, or a further revised plan, or both, and may indicate any specific matter that it requires to be dealt with in that report or plan:
(f)
make any order that it is empowered to make under section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187 in relation to the hearing of an application for a care or protection order, and the provisions of those sections, of sections 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, and 185, and of sections 188 to 194 shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary with respect to every report required to be furnished to the court under this paragraph.
(1A)
When considering the report and revised plan, the court may, but need not, give to any person the opportunity to be heard.
(2)
The provisions of section 199 shall apply with respect to any person required to appear before the court pursuant to subsection (1)(d) as if that person had been called by the court as a witness.
(3)
The court shall not make any order under paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (b) of subsection (1) unless—
(a)
the report furnished to the court under section 135 recommends that the order be made, and the court is satisfied that every person to whom a copy of that report is required to be given agrees with that recommendation; or
(b)
a family group conference recommends that the order be made.
(4)
Nothing in section 128 shall apply in respect of any order that the court proposes to make pursuant to subsection (1)(b).
(5)
Where a report is furnished to the court pursuant to section 135 in respect of the review of any plan prepared in relation to any child or young person, any order that is in force under this Part and that relates to that child or young person shall, unless the court otherwise directs, and subject to section 108(c) to (e) and section 117 and to any order made pursuant to this section, continue in force until the court has completed its consideration of the report in accordance with this section and has determined what (if any) decision it should make with respect to that order.
Section 137(1): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 137(1)(f): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 19 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 137(1A): inserted, on 31 March 2014, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
138 Court to set date for further review of plan
(1)
After considering a report furnished pursuant to section 135 in respect of the review of a plan, and after taking such action (if any) under section 137 as it thinks fit, the court shall, if any order referred to in section 128(2) is to continue in force in respect of the child or young person to whom the plan relates, fix a date by which a review of the revised plan that accompanied that report is to be carried out.
(2)
Section 134 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to—
(a)
the fixing of a date for the review of a revised plan; and
(b)
the person who is to review a revised plan.
(3)
Where, pursuant to subsection (1), the court fixes a date for the review of a revised plan, this section and sections 135 to 137 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every such revised plan as if it were a plan prepared pursuant to section 128.
Section 138(2): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 24 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Agreements for care of children and young persons
139 Agreements for temporary care of children and young persons by chief executive, iwi social services, etc
(1)
Subject to this section, any parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child or young person who is temporarily unable or unwilling to care for the child or young person may,—
(a)
with the agreement of the chief executive, place the child or young person in the care of the chief executive for a period not exceeding 28 days; or
(b)
with the agreement of an iwi social service or a cultural social service, place the child or young person in the care of that social service for a period not exceeding 28 days; or
(c)
with the agreement of the director of a child and family support service, place the child or young person in the care of the director for a period not exceeding 28 days.
(2)
If the parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person is, or will be, unable to resume the care of the child or young person at the end of the period during which the child or young person is in the care of any person pursuant to subsection (1), the period may, with the agreement of that person, be extended for one further period of up to 28 days.
Section 139: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 139 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 139(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
140 Agreements for extended care of children and young persons by chief executive, iwi social service, etc
(1)
Subject to this section and to sections 143 to 145 and section 147, where every person who is a parent or guardian or person having the care of a child or young person agrees to do so, those persons may,—
(a)
with the agreement of the chief executive, place the child or young person in the care of the chief executive for a period of more than 28 days; or
(b)
with the agreement of an iwi social service or a cultural social service, place the child or young person in the care of that social service for a period of more than 28 days; or
(c)
with the agreement of the director of a child and family support service, place the child or young person in the care of the director for a period of more than 28 days; or
(d)
with the agreement of any person referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) or any other person approved by the chief executive for the purpose of this paragraph, place a young person aged 15 years or more in the care of that person for the purpose of assisting the young person to achieve independence.
(2)
No agreement may be made under subsection (1)(a) to (c) providing for the placement of any child or young person in the care of any person for any period that exceeds,—
(a)
in the case of a child who is under 7 years of age, 6 months:
(b)
in the case of any other child or any young person, 12 months.
(3)
An agreement made under subsection (1)(d) may be entered into for any period of up to 12 months and may, if approved by a family group conference, be extended by any further periods of up to 12 months.
Section 140: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 140 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 140(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 140(1)(c): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 27(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 140(1)(d): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 27(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 140(2): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 27(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 140(3): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 27(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 140(3): amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 14 of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
141 Agreements for extended care of severely disabled children and young persons
[Repealed]Section 141: repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 76 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
142 Agreements with persons providing residential disability care
[Repealed]Section 142: repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 76 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
143 All parents or guardians not required to be party to agreement
Where a parent or guardian or person having the care of a child or young person—
(a)
consents in writing to the making of the agreement; or
(b)
cannot after reasonable enquiries be found; or
(c)
is incapable of entering into the agreement,—
an agreement may be made under section 140 with respect to the child or young person without that parent or guardian or person being a party to the agreement.
Section 143: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 77 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
144 Agreement not to be made without consent of child or young person
(1)
No agreement may be made under section 140 with respect to a child of or over the age of 12 years or a young person unless—
(a)
the child or young person consents to the making of the agreement; and
(b)
the consent is recorded.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
Before an agreement is entered into under section 140, the wishes of the child or young person shall, where practicable, be ascertained and given due consideration in concluding the terms of the agreement.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 11(2)
Section 144(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 20 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 144(2): repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 78(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 144(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 78(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
145 Agreement not to be made, extended, or terminated without approval of family group conference
(1)
No agreement may be made under section 140 unless, before the agreement is made,—
(a)
a family group conference is held to consider whether such an agreement should be made; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
the family group conference approves the making of the agreement; and
(d)
a care and protection co-ordinator (or if section 261 applies, a youth justice co-ordinator) issues a certificate to the effect,—
(i)
in all cases, that the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (c) have been complied with; and
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
in all cases, that the co-ordinator is satisfied that, having regard to the purposes, considerations, and principles in sections 4, 4A(1), 5, and 13, the agreement is an appropriate care option for the child or young person.
(2)
A care and protection co-ordinator must convene or reconvene a family group conference if it is proposed that—
(a)
an agreement be entered into under section 140(1); or
(b)
an agreement entered into under section 140(1)(d) be extended; or
(c)
an agreement entered into under section 140(1)(d) be terminated other than in the manner specified in the agreement in accordance with section 146(1)(c).
(3)
If a family group conference has been convened or reconvened other than under subsection (2) in relation to a child or young person, the conference may consider a proposal referred to in subsection (2) concerning the child or young person as if the conference had been convened or reconvened under that subsection.
(4)
To the extent that they are relevant, sections 20 to 36, with all necessary modifications, apply to the convening or reconvening of a family group conference under subsection (2).
Section 145 heading: amended, on 17 December 2016, by section 15(1) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 145(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(1)(b): repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(1)(c): replaced, on 1 July 2014, by section 29(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 145(1)(d): inserted, on 1 July 2014, by section 29(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 145(1)(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 79(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(1)(d)(ii): repealed, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(1)(d)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(1)(d)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(2): replaced, on 17 December 2016, by section 15(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 145(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 79(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 145(3): replaced, on 17 December 2016, by section 15(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
Section 145(4): inserted, on 17 December 2016, by section 15(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104).
146 Form and terms of agreements
(1)
Every agreement entered into under section 140 shall—
(a)
be in writing:
(b)
specify the term of the agreement:
(c)
specify the manner in which it may be terminated and, unless so specified, shall provide that the agreement may be terminated by either party on giving 7 days notice in writing:
(d)
contain provisions relating to the care and control of the child or young person during the term of the agreement, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to—
(i)
the educational, social, cultural, and religious needs of the child or young person:
(ii)
a programme for the provision of services and assistance for the benefit of the child or young person:
(iii)
the rights and obligations of the parents or guardians towards the child or young person:
(iv)
access to the child or young person by the parents or guardians or any other person.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1)(c), an agreement entered into under section 140 shall be terminated if a family group conference decides that the agreement should be terminated.
Section 146(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 80(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 146(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 80(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
147 Further restrictions on making of agreements
(1)
No agreement relating to a child or young person shall be entered into under section 140(1)(a) to (c) by any person (being the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a director of a child and family support service) in any case where that person is not satisfied that a parent or guardian of the child or young person, or a person usually having the care of the child or young person, will resume the care of the child or young person on the termination of the agreement.
(2)
No agreement relating to a child or young person shall be entered into under section 140(1)(a) to (c) by any person (being the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a director of a child and family support service or a residential disability care operator within the meaning of section 58(4) of the Health and Disability (Safety) Act 2001) in any case where no parent or guardian, or a person usually having the care of the child or young person, or a member of the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group, is willing to maintain contact with the child or young person during the term of the agreement.
Section 147(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 30(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 147(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 147(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 147(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 81 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 147(2): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 30(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 147(2): amended, on 1 October 2002, by section 58(1) of the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 (2001 No 93).
Section 147(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 147(2): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
148 Effect of agreements
Where a child or young person is placed in the care of any person pursuant to an agreement under section 139 or section 140, that person shall have, in respect of that child or young person, the same powers and responsibilities in all respects as if that child or young person had been placed in the custody of that person pursuant to an order under section 101.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 11(3)
Section 148: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 82 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
149 Agreement may provide for consent to medical treatment
Any agreement entered into under section 139 or section 140 may authorise the person in whose care a child or young person is placed pursuant to that agreement to consent to the carrying out, on that child or young person, of any medical, surgical, or dental procedure (including a blood transfusion), and where any person is so authorised that person shall be deemed to be a guardian of the child or young person for the purposes of section 36(3) of the Care of Children Act 2004.
Section 149: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 83 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 149: amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Part 3 Provisions relating to procedure in respect of proceedings under Parts 2 and 3A
Part 3 heading: replaced, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Courts having jurisdiction under Parts 2 and 3A
Heading: replaced, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
150 Jurisdiction of Family Court
Subject to sections 151 and 341, all proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A shall be heard and determined in the Family Court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 25(1)
Section 150 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 150: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 150: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
151 Jurisdiction of District Court in cases of urgency
The following proceedings may be heard and determined in the District Court in any case where it is expedient that the proceedings be dealt with urgently and it is impracticable for the matter to be heard and determined as a matter of urgency in the Family Court:
(a)
an application under section 44:
(b)
any proceedings under section 45:
(c)
an application under section 78:
(d)
an application under section 88 for an interim restraining order.
Section 151 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 151: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Service of applications
152 Service of application for care or protection order
(1)
Subject to section 155, every application for a care or protection order shall be served, in accordance with rules of court, on the following persons:
(a)
each parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(b)
if the child or young person is not residing with any of their parents or guardians, any person with whom the child or young person is living and who has had the care of the child or young person for a period of not less than 6 months immediately before the application was made:
(c)
if the child or young person is in the custody or under the guardianship of the chief executive, the principal manager of the department for the area in which the child or young person is residing:
(d)
if the child or young person is in the custody or under the guardianship of an iwi social service or a cultural social service, that social service:
(e)
if the child or young person is in the custody of the director of a child and family support service, that director:
(f)
any other person specified by the court.
(2)
Any person served with proceedings under subsection (1) shall be entitled to appear and be heard as a party to the proceedings.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 27(4)–(6)
Section 152 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 84(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 152(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 84(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 152(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 152(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 152(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 152(1)(d): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
153 Notice of application for care or protection order to be given to child or young person
Where an application is made for a care or protection order in respect of any child of or over the age of 12 years or any young person, the Registrar of the court in which that application is filed shall ensure that a copy of the application is given to that child or young person.
Section 153 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 85(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 153: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 85(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
154 Service of application for variation or discharge of order
(1)
Subject to section 155, every application under section 125 shall be served, in accordance with rules of court, on the following persons:
(a)
every person who would have been entitled, under section 126(b), (c), (j), (k), (l), (m), or (n), to make an application under section 125 in respect of the order to which the application relates:
(b)
the applicant for a care or protection order in respect of which the order was made:
(c)
the chief executive:
(d)
any other person specified by the court.
(2)
Any person served with proceedings under subsection (1) shall be entitled to appear and be heard as a party to the proceedings.
Section 154(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 154(1)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 86 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 154(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
155 Court may dispense with service
Where any person cannot be served with an application in accordance with section 152 or section 154, the court may, on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, dispense with service on that person.
Attendance of parties at hearing
156 Court may require party to attend hearing
(1)
Where the court considers that the presence of any person required to be served with an application under section 152 or section 154 or section 207L or section 207R is necessary to enable the court to hear and determine that application, the court may direct the Registrar to issue a summons in a form prescribed by rules of court requiring the person to whom it is addressed to appear before the court at the time stated in the summons.
(2)
In any case where a summons under this section has been served on any person, a Family Court Judge may, if the person to whom the summons is issued does not appear to answer to it, direct the issue of a warrant to arrest that person and bring that person before the court.
(3)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, being required to appear before the court under this section, refuses or fails without reasonable excuse to appear.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 27(6), (8)–(11)
Section 156(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 156(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 156(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
157 Court may require child or young person to attend hearing
(1)
Where the court considers that the presence of the child or young person in respect of whom any application is made under Part 2 or Part 3A is necessary to enable the court to hear and determine that application, the court may direct the Registrar to issue a summons in a form prescribed by rules of court requiring the person who has custody of the child or young person to ensure that the child or young person is present at the hearing.
(2)
In any case where a summons under this section has been served on any person, a Family Court Judge may, if the child or young person in respect of whom the summons is issued does not appear at the hearing when required to do so, issue a warrant authorising the chief executive or any constable or any other person named in the warrant to take possession of that child or young person and bring the child or young person before the court.
(2A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(3)
Section 123 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, in relation to every warrant issued under subsection (2) as if every such warrant were a warrant issued under section 122.
(4)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, being required pursuant to a summons issued under this section to ensure that a child or young person appears before the court, fails to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the child or young person so appears.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 27(6)
Section 157(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 157(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 157(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 157(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 157(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 157(2A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 157(3): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
Section 157(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Joint hearings
158 Applications may be heard together
(1)
The court may hear and determine an application for a care or protection order or an application under section 125 (which relates to the variation, suspension, and discharge of orders made under Part 2) or an application under Part 3A in conjunction with any application under the Adoption Act 1955 or the Care of Children Act 2004 or the Family Proceedings Act 1980 or the Family Violence Act 2018 in any case where all the applications relate to the same child or young person (whether or not any or all of those applications also relate to any other person).
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed]Compare: 1980 No 94 s 160(2)
Section 158(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 259(1) of the Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46).
Section 158(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 87(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 158(1): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 158(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 158(2): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 21 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 158(3): repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 21 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Appointment of persons to represent child or young person or assist court
159 Appointment of lawyer to represent child or young person in proceedings
(1)
Where a child or young person who is the subject of any proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A is not represented by a lawyer, the court or the Registrar of the court must appoint a lawyer to represent the child or young person—
(a)
in those proceedings:
(b)
for any other specified purpose (including in relation to other proceedings under this Act or any other Act) considered desirable.
(2)
Where a court or a Registrar appoints a lawyer under subsection (1), the court or the Registrar (as the case may be) must, so far as practicable, appoint a lawyer who is, by reason of personality, cultural background, training, and experience, suitably qualified to represent the child or young person.
(3)
Although the proceedings in respect of which any lawyer was appointed under subsection (1)(a) have been disposed of, or that the appointment is no longer required for any other purpose specified under subsection (1)(b), the court may, if it is satisfied that it is necessary or desirable in the interests of the child or young person to do so,—
(a)
extend the lawyer’s appointment for any specified purpose; or
(b)
subject to subsection (2), appoint any other lawyer to represent the child or young person for any specified purpose; or
(c)
direct the Registrar of the court to do either of these things.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 29(3); 1977 No 126 s 8; 1980 No 94 s 162(1), (2)
Section 159 heading: replaced, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 159(1): replaced, on 18 May 2009, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 159(1): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 159(2): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 159(2): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 159(3): replaced, on 18 May 2009, by section 4(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 159(3): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 159(3)(a): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 159(3)(b): amended, on 31 March 2014, by section 5(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
160 Appointment of lawyer to assist court
Section 160: replaced, on 31 March 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 160: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
161 Further provisions relating to appointment under section 159 or 160
(1)
A lawyer appointed under section 159—
(a)
must be served with all documents required to be served on the parties to the proceedings; and
(b)
may—
(i)
request the court to obtain any report that the court is empowered to obtain for the purposes of the proceedings:
(ii)
act on behalf of the child or young person in respect of any matter relating to the detention of that child or young person in secure care, or the care of that child or young person in a residence.
(2)
A lawyer appointed under section 160—
(a)
must be served with all documents required to be served on the parties to the proceedings; and
(b)
may request the court to obtain any report that the court is empowered to obtain for the purposes of the proceedings.
Section 161: replaced, on 31 March 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
162 Payment of lawyer appointed under section 159 or 160
(1)
The fees and expenses of any lawyer appointed under section 159 or 160 must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under section 16D of the Family Court Act 1980 or, if no such regulations are made, by a Registrar of the court; and
(b)
be paid in accordance with that determination out of public money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(2)
An invoice for fees and expenses submitted for payment by a lawyer appointed under section 159 or 160 must be given to a Registrar of the court, and the Registrar processing the invoice may decide to adjust the amount of the invoice.
(3)
A lawyer who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Registrar as to the amount of the invoice may, within 14 days after the date of the decision, apply to a Family Court Judge to review the decision, and the Judge may on the application make any order varying or confirming the decision that the Judge considers fair and reasonable.
(4)
Where the fees and expenses of a lawyer appointed under section 159 or 160 have been paid under subsection (1)(b), the court may, if it thinks it is appropriate, order a party to the proceedings to refund to the Crown an amount that the court specifies in respect of those fees and expenses, and the amount ordered to be refunded is a debt due to the Crown by that party and, in default of payment of that amount, payment may be enforced, by order of the District Court or the High Court, as the case may require, in the same manner as a judgment of that court.
Section 162: replaced, on 31 March 2014, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 162(1)(a): amended, on 8 September 2018, by section 66(1) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 27).
Section 162(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 162(2): replaced, on 8 September 2018, by section 66(2) of the Statutes Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 27).
Section 162(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
163 Appointment of lay advocate
(1)
The court may, at any stage of any proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A, on application by any party to the proceedings or of its own motion, appoint, in respect of the child or young person who is the subject of those proceedings, any person, not being a barrister or solicitor, to appear in support of that child or young person in those proceedings and, if the court thinks desirable, for such other purposes (including any other proceedings under this Act or any other enactment) as the court may specify.
(2)
Where the court appoints a lay advocate under subsection (1), it shall, so far as practicable, appoint a person who has, by reason of personality, cultural background, knowledge, and experience, sufficient standing in the culture of the child or young person in respect of whom the appointment is to be made to enable that person to carry out their duties under this Act.
(3)
The court may make an appointment under subsection (1) notwithstanding that the child or young person is represented in the proceedings by a barrister or solicitor.
(4)
Notwithstanding that the proceedings in respect of which any lay advocate was appointed under subsection (1) have been disposed of or that the appointment is no longer required for any other purpose specified by the court pursuant to that subsection, the court may, if the court is satisfied that it is necessary or desirable in the interests of the child or young person to do so,—
(a)
extend that lay advocate’s appointment; or
(b)
make a further appointment under subsection (1) in respect of that child or young person—
for such purpose as the court may specify.
Section 163(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 163(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
164 Further provisions relating to lay advocate
(1)
The principal functions of a lay advocate appointed under section 163 are as follows:
(a)
to ensure that the court is made aware of all cultural matters that are relevant to the proceedings:
(b)
to represent the interests of the child’s or young person’s whanau, hapu, and iwi (or their equivalents (if any) in the culture of the child or young person) to the extent that those interests are not otherwise represented in the proceedings.
(2)
A lay advocate appointed under section 163 in respect of any proceedings—
(a)
shall be served with all documents required to be served on the parties to the proceedings; and
(b)
may—
(i)
call any person as a witness in the proceedings:
(ii)
cross-examine witnesses called by any party to the proceedings or by the court:
(iii)
request the court to obtain any report that the court is empowered to obtain for the purposes of the proceedings:
(iv)
attend any family group conference held in respect of the child or young person who is the subject of the proceedings, and make representations on behalf of the child or young person at any such conference:
(v)
make representations on behalf of the child or young person in respect of any matter relating to the detention of that child or young person in secure care, or the care of that child or young person in a residence.
165 Payment of lay advocate
(1)
The fees and expenses of a lay advocate appointed under section 163 must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under this Act or, if no such regulations are made, by the Registrar of the court; and
(b)
be paid out of a Crown Bank Account from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may, if it thinks proper, order any party to the proceedings to refund to the Crown such amount as the court specifies in respect of any fees and expenses paid under that subsection, and the amount ordered to be refunded shall be a debt due to the Crown by that party and shall be recoverable accordingly in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 165(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 22 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Attendance at hearings and right to make representations
166 Persons entitled to be present at hearing of proceedings in Family Court
(1)
No person shall be present during the hearing of any proceedings in the Family Court under Part 2 or Part 3A relating to a child or young person except—
(a)
officers of the court:
(b)
the parents or guardians or any other person having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
the child or young person:
(d)
any person who is a party to the proceedings:
(e)
any near relative of the child or young person:
(f)
any member of the child’s or young person’s whanau or family group:
(g)
where there is an appropriate iwi social service or cultural social service with respect to the child or young person, a representative of that social service:
(h)
any director of a child and family support service or a representative of any such person:
(i)
any barrister or solicitor representing—
(i)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(ii)
the child or young person:
(iii)
any person who is a party to the proceedings:
(j)
any barrister or solicitor appointed under section 160 to assist the court:
(k)
any care and protection co-ordinator:
(l)
the chief executive:
(m)
any lay advocate who appears in support of the child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(n)
witnesses:
(na)
accredited news media reporters:
(nb)
persons whom the Judge permits to be present as support persons for—
(i)
the child or young person on a request by that child or young person:
(ii)
a party on a request by that party:
(o)
any person whom the Judge permits to be present.
(2)
The Judge must agree to a request under subsection (1)(nb) unless the Judge considers there is a good reason why the named support persons should not be permitted to be present.
(3)
If, during the hearing, the Judge requests a person of any of the following kinds to leave the courtroom, the person must do so:
(a)
a witness:
(b)
an accredited news media reporter:
(c)
a support person whom the Judge permitted to be present under subsection (1)(nb).
(4)
Nothing in this section limits any other power of the court—
(a)
to hear proceedings in private; or
(b)
to permit a McKenzie friend to be present; or
(c)
to exclude any person from the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 23; 1980 No 94 s 159(2), (3)
Section 166(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 166(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 166(1)(g): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 166(1)(l): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 166(1)(na): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 166(1)(nb): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 166(2): replaced, on 18 May 2009, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 166(3): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 166(4): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
167 Child or young person may give evidence in private
In any proceedings in a court under Part 2 or Part 3A relating to a child or young person, the Judge hearing the proceedings may, if the Judge thinks it desirable to do so,—
(a)
require all or any of the following persons to withdraw from the court while the child or young person gives evidence:
(i)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(ii)
any other person:
(b)
confer in private with the child or young person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 30(4)
Section 167: amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 167: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
168 Other powers of court to hear proceedings in private or exclude persons not affected
Nothing in section 166(2) or section 167 limits any other power of the court to hear proceedings in private or to exclude any person from the court.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 159(5)
169 Right to make representations
(1)
In any proceedings before a court under Part 2 or Part 3A relating to a child or young person, representations may be made to the court on behalf of the child or young person by—
(a)
the child or young person:
(b)
any barrister or solicitor who represents the child or young person:
(c)
any lay advocate who appears in support of the child or young person:
(d)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
(2)
Where any parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child or young person appears before a court as a party to any proceedings before that court under Part 2 or Part 3A, representations may be made to the court on behalf of that parent or guardian or other person by—
(a)
that parent or guardian or other person:
(b)
any barrister or solicitor who represents that parent or guardian or other person:
(c)
any lay advocate who appears in support of that parent or guardian or other person:
(d)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 40(b), (c); 1983 No 129 s 9
Section 169(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 169(2): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Mediation conferences
170 Calling of mediation conference
(1)
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order (other than on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e)), or for the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction under any other provision of Part 2 or Part 3A, a Family Court Judge or any of the following persons may ask the Registrar of the court to arrange for a mediation conference to be convened:
(a)
the applicant:
(b)
the child or young person to whom the application relates:
(c)
any barrister or solicitor who represents that child or young person:
(d)
any other person upon whom the application has been served in accordance with section 152 or section 154.
(2)
On receiving a request under subsection (1), the Registrar shall—
(a)
appoint a time and place for the holding of the mediation conference, being as soon as reasonably practicable after the receipt of the request; and
(b)
give notice to each of the persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) of the time and place of the mediation conference, and request each of those persons to attend the conference.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 13
Section 170(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 88 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 170(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
171 Objectives of mediation conference
The objectives of a mediation conference are—
(a)
to identify the problem in respect of which the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction is sought; and
(b)
to reach agreement on a solution for the problem.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 67
172 Procedure at mediation conference
(1)
Every mediation conference shall be presided over by a Family Court Judge.
(2)
The following persons are entitled to be present at, and to participate in, a mediation conference:
(a)
the child or young person to whom the proceedings in respect of which the conference is held relate, unless, in the case of a child, the presiding Judge considers that the attendance of that child would be inappropriate:
(b)
the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person:
(c)
any other person to whom the notice required by section 170(2)(b) must be given:
(d)
subject to any direction by the presiding Judge to the contrary,—
(i)
any barrister or solicitor representing any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person who is the subject of the proceedings in respect of which the conference is held:
(ii)
any lay advocate who appears in support of that child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of that child or young person:
(e)
with the leave of the presiding Judge, any other person.
(3)
Subject to any direction by the presiding Judge to the contrary, every mediation conference shall be held in private.
(4)
The presiding Judge may from time to time adjourn a mediation conference to such time and place as the Judge may determine.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 68
173 Presiding Judge to make record of proceedings at mediation conference
(1)
Where, at a mediation conference, the parties to the proceedings in respect of which the conference is held reach agreement on the nature of the problem in respect of which the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction is sought, and on the solution for that problem, the presiding Judge shall record in writing the terms of the agreement.
(2)
Where agreement is not reached on all matters, the presiding Judge shall record in writing those matters on which there is agreement and those matters on which there is no agreement.
(3)
In every case, the presiding Judge shall state in the record whether or not—
(a)
the child or young person who is the subject of the proceedings in respect of which the conference is held was present; and
(b)
that child or young person agreed to any matter referred to in subsection (1) or subsection (2) on which the parties reached agreement.
(4)
The record made by the presiding Judge under subsection (1) or subsection (2) shall be filed in the court in which the relevant application is filed.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 69
174 Power of presiding Judge to make consent orders
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), at a mediation conference the presiding Judge may, by consent of the parties, make any declaration or order that could have been made by the court in the proceedings in respect of which the conference was held.
(2)
Where the making of any order under this Act requires the consent of any person who is not a party to the proceedings, the presiding Judge shall not make that order under subsection (1) unless that person gives that consent.
(3)
An order made under this section shall for all purposes have the same effect as if it were made by consent in proceedings before the court.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 70
175 Power to require attendance at mediation conference
(1)
Where any person fails to comply with a request under section 170(2)(b) to attend a mediation conference, a District Court Judge may, on the request of the Registrar of the court, issue a summons requiring the person to attend a mediation conference at a time and place to be specified in the summons.
(2)
Section 159 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 applies to a summons under this section as if it were a witness summons issued under that section.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 71
Section 175(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
176 Privilege
(1)
No evidence shall be admissible in any court, or before any person acting judicially, of any information, statement, or admission disclosed or made to any person in the course of a mediation conference.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies to a record made by a Family Court Judge under section 173, or to any consent order made under section 174, or to any proceedings for the review of any such order.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 72
177 Presiding Judge may hear subsequent proceedings
The Family Court Judge who presides over a mediation conference shall be entitled to hear any subsequent proceedings under the application in respect of which the conference was held unless in all the circumstances the Judge decides, of that Judge’s own motion or on application by any party,—
(a)
that it would be inappropriate for that Judge to do so; or
(b)
that there is some other sufficient reason for the application to be heard by another Judge.
Compare: 1988 No 4 s 73
Reports
178 Medical, psychiatric, and psychological reports
(1)
If, at any stage of any proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A, it appears to the court to be expedient that a medical, psychiatric, or psychological report should be available to the court in respect of any child or young person to whom the proceedings relate, the court may, on application by any party to the proceedings or the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person, or of its own motion, if it thinks fit,—
(a)
order the child or young person to attend for a medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination; or
(b)
where the child or young person is, or is to be, held in the custody of the chief executive or detained in any residence, order that the child or young person undergo a medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination at the place at which the child or young person is, or is to be, detained.
(2)
Subject to subsection (3) if, at any stage of any proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A, it appears to the court to be expedient that a medical, psychiatric, or psychological report should be available to the court in respect of any parent or guardian or other person having the care of any child or young person to whom the proceedings relate or any person who it is proposed should have the care of the child or young person, the court may, on application by any party to the proceedings, or of its own motion, if it thinks fit, order the parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, or other person, to attend for a medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination.
(3)
The court shall not make an order under subsection (2) requiring any person to undergo any medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination unless that person consents to the making of that order.
(4)
Subject to the right of the person who refuses to consent to the order to explain the reasons for that person’s refusal, and to cross-examine witnesses and call evidence, the court may draw such inferences (if any) from the fact of the refusal as appear to it to be proper in the circumstances.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42A(1)–(2); 1977 No 126 s 13
Section 178(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 178(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 178(2): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
179 Further provisions relating to medical, psychiatric, and psychological examinations
(1)
Every medical examination carried out under subsection (1) or subsection (2) of section 178 shall be carried out by a health practitioner whom the court considers qualified for the purpose.
(2)
Every psychiatric examination carried out under subsection (1) or subsection (2) of section 178 shall be carried out by a health practitioner holding a specialist psychiatric appointment or holding vocational registration in the speciality of psychological medicine or psychiatry.
(3)
Every psychological examination carried out under subsection (1) or subsection (2) of section 178 shall be carried out by—
(a)
a health practitioner holding a psychiatric appointment or holding vocational registration in the speciality of psychological medicine or psychiatry; or
(b)
a registered psychologist; or
(c)
a person appointed by the court for the purpose, being a person whom the court is satisfied—
(i)
is entitled to practise as a psychologist, or in the speciality of psychological medicine or psychiatry, in that person’s country of permanent residence; and
(ii)
has qualifications that, in the view of the appropriate registering body in New Zealand, are at least equivalent to those required of a person referred to in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b).
(4)
Every child or young person who is examined under section 178(1) is, where practicable, entitled to have present during that examination 1 adult—
(a)
who is nominated for that purpose by that child or young person or, if the age or level of maturity of the child or young person makes it impracticable for that child or young person to make such a nomination, by the chief executive; and
(b)
who consents to be present.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42A(4); 1977 No 126 s 13
Section 179(1): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 11(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 179(2): replaced, on 1 July 1996, by section 143(1) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1995 (1995 No 95).
Section 179(2): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 11(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 179(3): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 27 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 179(3)(a): replaced, on 1 July 1996, by section 143(1) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1995 (1995 No 95).
Section 179(3)(a): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 11(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 179(4)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 179(4)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
180 Fees for reports prepared under section 178
Where any person prepares a report pursuant to section 178, the fees and expenses of that person shall be paid by such party or parties to the proceedings as the court shall order or, if the court so decides, shall be paid out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 29A(6); 1980 No 95 s 17
181 Court may order examination to be carried out in hospital
(1)
If, at any stage of the hearing of any proceedings under Part 2,—
(a)
2 health practitioners have certified or given evidence that a psychiatric assessment of any child of or over the age of 10 years, or of any young person to whom the proceedings relate, should be obtained, and it appears to the court that it would not be practicable for such assessment to be carried out outside a hospital; or
(b)
2 psychiatric reports (whether obtained pursuant to section 178(1) or otherwise) recommending detention of any such child or young person in a hospital for further observation are available to the court,—
the court may, if it considers it expedient, make an order for the detention and examination of that child or young person in a hospital for such period, not exceeding 5 days, as the court thinks fit.
(2)
Where an order is made under subsection (1), a Family Court Judge may, on application made at any time before the expiry of the period specified in the order, if the Judge is satisfied that it is necessary to detain the child or young person to whom the order relates in a hospital for longer than that period for the purpose of completing the assessment or observation of that child or young person pursuant to that order, extend the period for which that child or young person may be detained in that hospital for such period, not exceeding 14 days, as the Judge thinks fit.
(3)
The examination required by an order made under subsection (1) shall be carried out by a health practitioner holding a specialist psychiatric appointment or holding vocational registration in the speciality of psychological medicine or psychiatry.
(4)
An order made under subsection (1) in respect of any child or young person is sufficient authority—
(a)
for the detention of the child or young person by the chief executive or any constable for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the order:
(b)
for the transfer of the child or young person from a residence to a hospital:
(c)
for the detention of the child or young person and examination in a hospital:
(d)
for the return to any residence in which the child or young person was detained at the time of transfer to a hospital.
(5)
The power to detain a child or young person may be exercised by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation by the chief executive to exercise that power (see section 7C).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42A(3), (4); 1977 No 126 s 13
Section 181 heading: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(1): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(1)(a): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(1)(a): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(1)(b): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(2): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 181(3): replaced, on 1 July 1996, by section 143(1) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1995 (1995 No 95).
Section 181(3): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(4)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 181(4)(a): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 181(4)(b): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(4)(c): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(4)(d): amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 12(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 181(5): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
182 Release of child or young person from hospital where detention no longer required
Any child or young person who is detained in a hospital pursuant to an order made under section 181(1) may be released, or may be returned to a residence, as the case may require, notwithstanding that the period for which the child or young person was ordered to be detained has not expired, if the superintendent of that hospital certifies in writing that the assessment of the child or young person has been completed or that no further observation of the child or young person is required.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42A(9); 1977 No 126 s 13
Section 182 heading: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 13(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
Section 182: amended, on 31 January 2018, by section 13(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75).
183 Review of order made under section 178 or section 181
The court may, from time to time, review any order made under section 178 or section 181, and on any such review the court may make such order as may be just.
184 Court may indicate matters to be dealt with in report
Where the court makes an order under subsection (1) or subsection (2) of section 178 or under section 181(1), it may indicate any specific matter that it requires to be dealt with in any medical, psychiatric, or psychological report.
185 Sections to have effect in place of sections 38 to 44 of Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003
In respect of any person to whom an application for a care or protection order relates, the provisions of sections 178 to 183 have effect in the place of the provisions of sections 38 to 44 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003.
Section 185: replaced, on 1 September 2004, by section 51 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115).
Section 185: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 89 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
186 Report by social worker
(1)
The court—
(a)
must obtain and consider a report from a social worker before making—
(i)
a custody order under section 101 (other than an interim custody order) placing the child or young person in the custody of any person listed in section 101(1); or
(ii)
a guardianship order under section 110 that appoints the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or any other person as the sole guardian of the child or young person; or
(iii)
a special guardianship order under section 113A; and
(b)
may obtain and consider a report from a social worker before making any other order referred to in section 83(1) or 84(1).
(2)
In the course of preparing a report for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), the social worker must consider whether there is a realistic possibility that the child or young person to whom the report relates will be returned to the care of the parent, guardian, or other person who had the care of the child or young person before the care or protection order was made.
(2A)
Every report provided to the court pursuant to subsection (1)(a) must (without limiting subsection (3)) make a recommendation, with reasons, on whether there is a realistic possibility that the child or young person to whom the report relates can be returned to the care of the parent, guardian, or other person who had the care of the child or young person before the care or protection order was made, and—
(a)
if there is such a realistic possibility, must—
(i)
set out the steps that the parent, guardian, or the other person must take, or the behavioural changes that the parent, guardian, or the other person must make, before the child or young person can be returned to the care of the parent, guardian, or the other person; and
(ii)
recommend a time when, or a period within which, the option of returning the child or young person to the care of the parent, guardian, or other person will be pursued, having particular regard to the age of the child or young person; or
(b)
if there is no such realistic possibility, set out—
(i)
the child’s or young person’s likely long-term needs, and proposals for how those needs will be met; and
(ii)
if a special guardianship order under section 113A is contemplated, a recommendation about which guardianship rights, if any, should be shared between the special guardian and the existing guardian (as defined in that section).
(3)
Every report obtained pursuant to this section in respect of a child or young person shall include—
(a)
such information as is required to be included in such reports by guidelines issued from time to time in writing by the chief executive after consultation with the Principal Family Court Judge:
(b)
such other information as may assist the court in its consideration of the matter:
(c)
such other information as the court may direct.
(4)
Every report required pursuant to this section shall be prepared, where appropriate, in consultation with a Maatua Whangai worker.
(5)
In this section, the term social worker includes a person employed in the speciality of social work by the director of a child and family support service, or by an iwi social service or a cultural social service, who consents to make a report under this section.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 41(3); 1982 No 135 s 9(1)
Section 186(1): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 31 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 186(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 23(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 186(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 23(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 186(2): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 31 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 186(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 90(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 186(2A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 31 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 186(2A): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 90(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 186(2A)(a)(i): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 90(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 186(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 186(5): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
187 Cultural and community reports
(1)
If a court is satisfied that a child or young person is in need of care or protection, the court may, before making any order referred to in section 83(1), of its own motion, or at the request of any of the persons specified in subsection (2), require any person to report to the court on—
(a)
the heritage and the ethnic, cultural, or community ties and values of the child or young person or the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group:
(b)
the availability of any resources within the community that would, or would be likely to, assist the child or young person or the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group:
(c)
if section 14(1)(a) or (b) applies, the availability of any option—
(i)
that would be an alternative to an order under Part 2 relating to the custody or guardianship of the child or young person; and
(ii)
that would, or would be likely to, ensure that the kind of harm suffered by the child or young person will neither continue nor be repeated.
(2)
Any of the following persons may ask the court to obtain a report under subsection (1):
(a)
the child or young person:
(b)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
any barrister or solicitor representing—
(i)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(ii)
the child or young person:
(d)
any barrister or solicitor appointed under section 160 to assist the court:
(e)
any lay advocate who appears in support of the child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(f)
the chief executive after consultation, where appropriate, with a Maatua Whangai worker.
(3)
Unless it is impracticable or inappropriate to do so, the court shall ascertain and have regard to the wishes of the child or young person and the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group in determining the person required to furnish a report under this section.
(4)
The fees and expenses of any person who furnishes a report under this section shall, if the court so directs, be paid out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
Section 187(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 24(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 187(1)(c): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 24(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 187(2)(f): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
188 Privilege for reports
Any person who furnishes any report to the court pursuant to section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187 shall not be under any civil or criminal liability in respect of the report unless that person has acted in bad faith or without reasonable care.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 41(8); 1982 No 135 s 9(1)
189 Adjournment for purposes of obtaining report
(1)
Any adjournments for the purposes of obtaining a report pursuant to section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187—
(a)
shall be for the minimum period necessary to enable the report to be prepared; and
(b)
shall in no case exceed a total of more than 28 days unless the court in any special case otherwise determines; but
(c)
may otherwise be on such conditions as the court thinks fit.
(2)
Where any proceedings are adjourned for the purposes of obtaining any report pursuant to section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187, the person responsible for preparing that report shall make all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the report is filed with the court at least 2 working days before the date set for the hearing of those proceedings to resume.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42A(2); 1977 No 126 s 13
190 Reports may be made orally
The court may, unless any party to the proceedings objects, direct that any report required pursuant to section 186 (other than a report to which subsection (2) of that section applies) or section 187 be made orally to the court.
191 Access to reports
(1)
Subject to section 192, a copy of every written report furnished to the court pursuant to section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187 shall be given by the Registrar of the court—
(a)
to every person entitled to appear and be heard on the proceedings to which the report relates, and to any barrister or solicitor appearing for that person:
(b)
to each lay advocate, barrister or solicitor, or other person representing a child or young person to whom the proceedings relate or a parent or guardian or other person usually having the care of the child or young person:
(c)
to the chief executive:
(d)
to any other person whom the court considers has a proper interest in receiving a copy of the report.
(2)
Every such copy shall, wherever possible, be supplied not later than 1 working day before the sitting of the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42(1); 1977 No 126 s 12(1), (2)
Section 191(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
192 Court may order report not to be disclosed
The court may order that the whole or any part of a report given to any person pursuant to section 191(1) shall not be disclosed to any person specified in the order where it is satisfied that such disclosure would be, or would be likely to be, detrimental to the physical or mental health, or the emotional well-being, of any child or young person or other person to whom the report relates.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42(5)
193 Right to tender evidence on report
Any person to whom a report prepared pursuant to section 178 or section 181 or section 186 or section 187 relates may tender evidence on any matter referred to in the report and brought to that person’s attention as a result of the disclosure of the report to that person pursuant to section 191 or being told of its contents.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42(3); 1977 No 126 s 12(3)
194 Court may call person making report as witness
The court may if it thinks fit call as a witness the person making any report to which section 193 applies.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 42(4)
Miscellaneous provisions
195 Evidence
[Repealed]Section 195: repealed, on 31 March 2014, by section 17A(d) of the Family Courts Act 1980 (1980 No 161).
196 Opportunity to be heard if court to exercise certain discretion
If a court is, in relation to a child or young person, asked to exercise its discretion under section 69 of the Evidence Act 2006, the court must give the lawyer appointed under section 159 of this Act to represent the child or young person an opportunity to be heard on the matter.
Section 196: replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 25 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
197 Standard of proof
Subject to section 198, the standard of proof applying in any proceedings under Part 2 or Part 3A shall be the standard of proof applying in civil proceedings.
Section 197: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
198 Special provisions applying to applications for care or protection order on ground of child’s offending
(1)
The court shall not make a care or protection order (other than an interim order) on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e) unless—
(a)
it would have found the child guilty of an offence if the proceedings had been pursuant to a charging document filed under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 charging the child with the offence; and
(b)
the court is satisfied that the child knew either that the act or omission constituting the offence was wrong or that it was contrary to law.
(2)
Nothing in section 197 applies to any application for a care or protection order (other than an interim order) on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 29(2)
Section 198 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 92(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 198(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 26(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 198(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 198(2): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 26(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
199 Power of court to call witnesses
(1)
In any proceedings in a court under Part 2 or Part 3A (not being proceedings for a care or protection order on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e)) the court may, of its own motion, call as a witness any person whose evidence may, in its opinion, be of assistance to the court.
(2)
The power conferred by subsection (1) shall include power to call as a witness any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person to whom the proceedings relate, or any person with whom any parent or guardian or other person is cohabiting, or any near relative of the child or young person.
(3)
A witness called by the court under this section shall have the same privilege to refuse to answer any question as the witness would have if the witness had been called by a party to the proceedings.
(4)
A witness called by the court under this section may be examined and re-examined by the court, or by any barrister or solicitor assisting the court, and may be cross-examined by or on behalf of any party to the proceedings or by any barrister or solicitor or lay advocate appointed to represent a child or young person to whom the proceedings relate.
(5)
Sections 159 and 161 to 165 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, so far as they are applicable and with the necessary modifications, shall apply with respect to every person called as a witness by the court under this section as if that person had been called by a party to the proceedings.
(6)
The expenses of any witness called by the court under this section, in accordance with the prescribed scale of witnesses expenses, shall be paid in the first instance out of a Crown Bank Account from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 165
Section 199(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 93 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 199(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 199(5): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 199(6): amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 83(7) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).
200 Court to ensure that application for care or protection order dealt with promptly
Where an application is made to the court for a care or protection order, the court shall, so far as it is practicable, give priority to the proceedings in order to ensure that, unless there are special reasons why a longer period is required, the hearing of the application commences not later than 60 days after the application is filed in the court.
Section 200 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 94(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 200: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 94(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
201 Adjournments
(1)
(2)
(3)
On the granting of an adjournment under this section the court may—
(a)
make an order under section 78 (which relates to the custody of a child or young person pending the determination of any proceedings):
(b)
make an order under section 121 (which relates to access and other rights in respect of a child or young person).
Section 201(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 201(2): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 201(3)(a): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
202 Orders by consent
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 170
Section 202: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
203 Costs
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 27B; 1980 No 95 s 14
Section 203: amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
204 Rehearings
(1)
Where a declaration or an order has been made or refused on an application under Part 2 or Part 3A, the court may, on the application of the applicant or any other person who was a party to the proceedings or the barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person to whom the proceedings relate, grant a rehearing of the application on such conditions as it thinks fit.
(2)
Notice of any such rehearing shall be given to such persons and in such manner as the court directs.
(3)
An application for a rehearing under this section shall not operate as a stay of proceedings unless the court so orders.
(4)
If the court grants an application for a rehearing, the declaration or order shall continue to have effect unless the court orders otherwise.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 173
Section 204(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
205 Preventing removal of child or young person from New Zealand
(1)
This section applies where—
(a)
an application is made to the court for a care or protection order, or for an order under section 207K or section 207Q, in relation to a child or young person; and
(b)
any District Court Judge or, if no District Court Judge is available, any Registrar (not being a constable) is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any person is about to take that child or young person out of New Zealand.
(2)
Where this section applies, the District Court Judge or Registrar—
(a)
may order that any tickets or travel documents (including the passport) of the child or young person, or of the person believed to be about to take the child or young person out of New Zealand, or of both, be surrendered to the court for such period and upon such conditions as the court thinks fit; and
(b)
may, in addition, issue a warrant directing the chief executive or any constable to take possession of the child or young person and place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive pending the order or further order of the court.
(2A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(2B)
A delegate or a constable executing a warrant may use such reasonable force as may be necessary to do so.
(3)
Any person against whom an order under subsection (2)(a) is in force may apply to the court for the discharge of the order, and the court, in its discretion, may discharge the order.
(4)
Section 123 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, in relation to every warrant issued under subsection (2) as if every such warrant were a warrant issued under section 122 (which relates to the enforcement of rights of access).
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 20; 1979 No 52 s 3(1)
Section 205(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 95 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 205(1)(a): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 205(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 205(2)(b): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 205(2A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 205(2B): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 205(4): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
206 Offence to take child or young person out of New Zealand where proceedings pending
(1)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, without the leave of the court, takes or attempts to take any child or young person out of New Zealand knowing that an application for a care or protection order, or for an order under section 207K or section 207Q, in respect of that child or young person is about to be made or that a determination of any such application is pending.
(2)
No proceedings for contempt of court shall be taken against any person in respect of any act to which this section applies.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 20(3), (4); 1979 No 52 s 3(1)
Section 206(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 96 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 206(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 206(1): amended, on 1 November 1999, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
206A Leave required in certain cases to commence substantially similar proceedings
(1)
A proceeding (a new proceeding) may not be commenced under Part 2 without the leave of the court if that new proceeding—
(a)
is substantially similar to a proceeding previously filed in the Family Court by any person (a previous proceeding); and
(b)
is to be commenced less than 2 years after the final direction or order was given in the previous proceeding.
(2)
The leave of the court may only be given under subsection (1) if, since the final direction or order was given in the previous proceeding, there has been a material change in the circumstances of—
(a)
any party to the previous proceeding:
(b)
any child or young person who was the subject of the previous proceeding.
(3)
In this section, a new proceeding is substantially similar to a previous proceeding if—
(a)
the party commencing the new proceeding was a party to the previous proceeding; and
(b)
a child who is the subject of the new proceeding was the subject of the previous proceeding; and
(c)
the new proceeding—
(i)
is commenced under the same provision of this Act as the previous proceeding; or
(ii)
is for an order varying the order made in the previous proceeding; or
(iii)
is for an order discharging the order made in the previous proceeding.
(4)
This section does not apply if—
(a)
every party to the new proceeding consents to its commencement; or
(b)
the new proceeding is commenced by—
(i)
the chief executive; or
(ii)
[Repealed](iii)
an iwi social service; or
(iv)
a cultural social service; or
(v)
the director of a child and family support service; or
(vi)
a constable.
Section 206A: inserted, on 31 March 2014, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 206A(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 206A(4)(b)(ii): repealed, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
206B Power to dismiss proceedings
The court may dismiss proceedings before it under Part 2 if it is satisfied—
(a)
that the proceedings relate to a specified child and that the continuation of the proceedings is, in the particular circumstances, clearly contrary to the well-being and best interests of the child; or
(b)
that the proceedings are frivolous or vexatious or an abuse of the procedure of the court.
Section 206B: inserted, on 31 March 2014, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 206B(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 97 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207 Vexatious proceedings
(1)
The court may dismiss any proceedings before it under Part 2 if it is satisfied that they are frivolous or vexatious or an abuse of the procedure of the court.
(2)
The court may, if it is satisfied that a person has persistently instituted vexatious proceedings under Part 2 or under the corresponding provisions of any former Act (whether those proceedings were in respect of the same person or matter or different persons or matters), after giving the first-mentioned person an opportunity of being heard, order that no proceedings under Part 2, or no proceedings under that Part of any specified kind or in respect of any specified person or matter, shall be commenced by the first-mentioned person without the leave of the court.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 163
Part 3A Trans-Tasman transfer of protection orders and protection proceedings
Part 3A: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Purpose of Part
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207A Purpose of Part
The purpose of this Part is to provide for the transfer of protection orders and protection proceedings from New Zealand to a State or Territory of Australia, and from a State or Territory of Australia to New Zealand, so that—
(a)
children or young persons who are the subject of protection orders can continue to receive care or protection even though they move to or from New Zealand; and
(b)
protection proceedings can be determined speedily even though the children or young persons who are the subject of the proceedings move to or from New Zealand.
Section 207A: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Interpretation
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207B Interpretation
In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,—
child welfare law means—
(b)
a law of a participating State that—
(ii)
is declared to be a child welfare law for the purposes of this Part by regulations made under section 447(aa)
Children’s Court, in relation to a participating State, means the court with jurisdiction to hear and determine protection proceedings at first instance
interim order means—
(a)
an order under section 207T; or
(b)
an equivalent order made under an interstate law
interstate law, in relation to a participating State,—
(a)
means a law that corresponds to this Part; and
(b)
includes a law that is declared to be an interstate law for the purposes of this Part by regulations made under section 447(ab)
interstate officer, in relation to a participating State, means—
(a)
the holder of an office or position (by whatever name called) that is an office or position the holder of which is declared, in relation to that State, to be the interstate officer for the purposes of this Part by regulations made under section 447(ac); or
(b)
the holder of the office or position (by whatever name called) that, by or under the child welfare law of that State, has principal responsibility for the care or protection of children and young persons in that State
participating State means a State or Territory of Australia in which an interstate law is in force
protection order has the meaning given to it by section 207C
protection proceedings means—
(a)
proceedings in a court or a Children’s Court under a child welfare law for the making, variation, discharge, or revocation of a protection order or interim order, or for the extension of any period of such an order; or
(b)
proceedings in a court or a Children’s Court under a child welfare law (for example, proceedings for a care or protection order) for a declaration or finding (by whatever name called)—
(i)
that a child or young person is in need of care or protection; and
(ii)
that empowers the court or Children’s Court to make a protection order
review proceedings means proceedings—
(a)
by way of an application for review under the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016; or
(b)
by way of an application for mandamus, injunction, prohibition, or certiorari; or
(c)
by way of an application for a declaratory judgment
sending State means the participating State from which a protection order or protection proceedings are transferred to New Zealand under this Part and the interstate law of that State
young person includes a person—
(a)
who is 18 years old or older; and
(b)
to whom a guardianship order made under section 110 applies.
Section 207B: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207B protection proceedings paragraph (b): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 27 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 207B review proceedings paragraph (a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 24 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50).
Section 207B young person paragraph (a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
207C Meaning of protection order
(1)
In this Part, protection order—
(a)
means a final order under a child welfare law that makes the custody, guardianship, supervision, or support of a child or young person the responsibility (in whole or in part, and however that responsibility is described) of any 1 or more of the persons specified in subsection (2); and
(b)
includes an interim custody order made pursuant to section 102 that makes the custody of a child or young person the responsibility (in whole or in part) of any 1 or more of the persons specified in subsection (2).
(2)
The persons referred to in subsection (1) are—
(a)
a government department or statutory authority:
(b)
a person who is the head of a government department or statutory authority or otherwise holds an office or position in, or is employed in, a government department or statutory authority:
(c)
an organisation or body approved or authorised by or under the child welfare law to exercise or perform powers, duties, or functions conferred, imposed, or prescribed by or under the child welfare law:
(d)
the chief executive (by whatever name called) of an organisation or body referred to in paragraph (c).
Section 207C: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Transfer of protection orders from New Zealand by chief executive
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207D Chief executive may transfer protection order
(1)
The chief executive may transfer a protection order (the home order) to a participating State if,—
(a)
in the chief executive’s opinion, a protection order to the same or a similar effect as the home order could be made under the child welfare law of that State; and
(b)
the home order is not subject to an appeal to the High Court, or to any review proceedings; and
(c)
the interstate officer of the participating State has consented in writing to the transfer and to the proposed terms of the protection order to be transferred (the interstate order); and
(d)
any consent required under section 207F has been given; and
(e)
any consultation required under section 207G has been carried out; and
(f)
the child or young person is not subject to—
(i)
an order made under paragraph (c), or any of paragraphs (k) to (o), of section 283; or
(ii)
a community-based sentence under the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(iii)
a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002; and
(g)
neither the chief executive, nor any officer or employee of the department, knows of any charging document filed, or of any proceedings pending before the Youth Court or any other court, that could lead to the child or young person being made subject to an order or sentence referred to in paragraph (f).
(2)
In determining whether a protection order to the same or a similar effect as the home order could be made under the child welfare law of a participating State, the chief executive must not take into account the maximum period for which such an order can have effect in that State.
(3)
Before deciding whether to transfer a protection order, the chief executive may request a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering whether the order should be transferred, and sections 20 to 36 apply, with any necessary modification, to the convening of such a family group conference.
Section 207D: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207D(1)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 207D(1)(f)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207D(1)(f)(ii): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 207D(1)(f)(iii): inserted, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207D(1)(g): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 207D(1)(g): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
207E Chief executive to have regard to certain matters
In deciding whether to transfer a protection order, the chief executive must have regard to—
(a)
the principles referred to in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13; and
(b)
the matters that section 130 requires a plan prepared under section 128 to specify, contain, or state; and
(c)
whether an interstate officer is in a better position to exercise powers and responsibilities under a protection order relating to the child or young person than the person exercising those powers and responsibilities under the protection order; and
(d)
the desirability of a protection order being an order under the child welfare law of the place where the child or young person resides.
Section 207E: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207E(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 98 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207F Consent required
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
the home order is a support order made under section 91; or
(b)
the home order is a custody order made under section 101 placing the child or young person in the custody of any of the persons specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) of that section; or
(c)
the home order is a custody order made under section 101(e) and made subject to a condition that the chief executive supervises the order; or
(d)
the home order is a sole guardianship order made under section 110.
(2)
If this section applies, consent to the transfer of the order is required from—
(a)
each parent of the child or young person (other than a parent who resides, or intends to reside, in the relevant participating State); and
(b)
each guardian of the child or young person (other than the chief executive); and
(c)
each person who,—
(i)
under this Act, has custody of, or is given access to, or has the care of, the child or young person; or
(ii)
under the Care of Children Act 2004 or under an order under that Act, has the role of providing day-to-day care for, or may have contact with, that child or young person.
(3)
Despite this section, the consent of a person is not required if the chief executive is not able to locate the person after having made all reasonable efforts to locate the person.
Section 207F: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207F(1)(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 207F(2)(c): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
207G Consultation required
(1)
This section applies if the child or young person is subject to—
(a)
a services order made under section 86 directing a person or organisation (other than the chief executive, or an officer or employee of the department) to provide services and assistance to the child or young person; or
(b)
a support order made under section 91 directing a person or organisation (other than the chief executive, or an officer or employee of the department) to provide support to the child or young person.
(2)
If this section applies, the chief executive must consult the person or organisation on whether the order should be transferred.
Section 207G: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207H Conditions and duration of order to be transferred
(1)
The chief executive may include in the proposed interstate order any conditions that may be included in a protection order of that type made in the participating State.
(2)
The chief executive must determine, and specify in the interstate order, the period for which the interstate order is to remain in force.
(3)
The period must be a period—
(a)
that commences on the date of the registration of the interstate order in a participating State; and
(b)
that is—
(i)
the same as the period of the home order, if that is possible under the child welfare law of the participating State; or
(ii)
in any other case, as similar a period as is possible under that law but in no case longer than the period of the home order.
Section 207H: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207I Notice of decision to transfer
(1)
As soon as practicable but in any event no later than 3 working days after deciding to transfer a protection order, the chief executive must give a notice of the decision to—
(a)
each parent of the child or young person concerned; and
(b)
the child or young person concerned, unless the child or young person is incapable of understanding the notice because of their level of maturity.
(2)
A notice must also—
(a)
state that the decision may be reviewed on certain grounds if, within 13 working days after the date of the decision, review proceedings are brought in the High Court and served on the chief executive; and
(b)
inform the child, young person, or parent on whom it is served that the child, young person, or parent may bring review proceedings (or, as the case requires, have review proceedings brought on their behalf) and how, in general terms, the review proceedings may be brought.
(3)
Nothing in this section requires the chief executive to give a person a notice if the chief executive is not able to locate the person after having made all reasonable efforts to locate the person.
Section 207I: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207I(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 207I(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207J Review of decision to transfer
Any review proceedings in respect of a decision to transfer a protection order—
(a)
must be brought, and served on the chief executive, within 13 working days after the date of the decision, and the 13-working day period cannot be extended:
(b)
operate on and after filing as a stay of the decision until the review proceedings are withdrawn or finally determined.
Section 207J: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Transfer of protection orders from New Zealand by order of court
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207K Court may order transfer of protection order
(1)
A court may order that a protection order be transferred to a participating State if—
(a)
the chief executive applies to the court for the order to be transferred; and
(b)
the court has obtained and considered, in relation to the child or young person, a report from a social worker that covers the matters that section 130 requires a plan prepared under section 128 to specify, contain, or state; and
(c)
the protection order is not subject to an appeal to the High Court, or to any review proceedings; and
(d)
the interstate officer of the participating State has consented in writing to the transfer of the protection order and to the proposed terms of the order to be transferred; and
(e)
the child or young person is not subject to—
(i)
an order made under paragraph (c), or any of paragraphs (k) to (o), of section 283; or
(ii)
a community-based sentence under the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(iii)
a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002; and
(f)
the chief executive certifies that neither the chief executive, nor any officer or employee of the department, knows of any charging document filed, or of any proceedings pending before the Youth Court or any other court, that could lead to the child or young person being made subject to an order or sentence referred to in paragraph (e).
(2)
Before deciding whether to order the transfer of a protection order, the court may direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering whether the transfer should be ordered, and sections 20 to 36 apply, with any necessary modification, to the convening of such a family group conference.
(3)
Sections 188, 189, and 191 to 194 apply to a report obtained from a social worker under subsection (1)(b) as if it were a report obtained from a social worker under section 186.
Section 207K: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207K(1)(e)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207K(1)(e)(ii): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 207K(1)(e)(iii): inserted, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207K(1)(f): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 207K(1)(f): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
207L Service of application
(1)
As soon as possible after the chief executive files in a court an application under section 207K, the Registrar of the court must serve copies of the application in accordance with section 154 as if the application were an application by the chief executive under section 125 for the variation or discharge of the protection order to be transferred.
(2)
Section 155 (Court may dispense with service) applies, with any necessary modification, to the service of copies of the application.
(3)
A person served with proceedings under subsection (1) is entitled to appear and be heard as a party to the proceedings.
Section 207L: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207M Court to have regard to certain matters
In considering an application under section 207K, the court must have regard to—
(a)
the principles referred to in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13; and
(b)
whether an interstate officer is in a better position to exercise powers and responsibilities under a protection order relating to the child or young person than the person exercising those powers and responsibilities under the protection order; and
(c)
the desirability of a protection order being an order under the child welfare law of the place where the child or young person resides.
Section 207M: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207M(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 99 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207N Terms, conditions, and duration of order to be transferred
(1)
If a court orders that a protection order (the home order) be transferred, the terms of the protection order to be transferred (the interstate order) must be terms that could be the terms of a protection order made under the child welfare law of the participating State and that the court considers to be—
(a)
to the same or a similar effect as the terms of the home order; or
(b)
otherwise appropriate for the child or young person.
(2)
The court may include in the interstate order any conditions that could be included in a protection order of that type made in the participating State.
(3)
In determining whether terms that could be the terms of a protection order made under the child welfare law of the participating State are to the same or similar effect as the terms of the home order, the court must not take into account the maximum period for which such an order can have effect in that State.
(4)
The court must determine, and specify in the interstate order, the period for which the interstate order is to remain in force.
(5)
The period must be a period—
(a)
that commences on the date of the registration in the participating State of the interstate order; and
(b)
that is possible for a protection order of the type of the proposed interstate order under the child welfare law of the participating State; and
(c)
that the court considers appropriate.
Section 207N: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207O Appeal against order for transfer
The following provisions apply to an appeal to the High Court under section 341 against an order that a protection order be transferred:
(a)
the appeal is on a question of law only:
(b)
the appeal must be brought within 10 working days after the day on which the order was made:
(c)
despite section 344, the appeal operates on and after filing as a stay of the order appealed against until the appeal is withdrawn or finally determined:
(d)
the appeal must be heard and determined by the High Court as soon as possible.
Section 207O: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207O(a): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 28(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 207O(b): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 28(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
207P Review of order for transfer
(1)
Any review proceedings in respect of an order that a protection order be transferred—
(a)
must be brought within 10 working days after the date of the order, and the 10-working day period cannot be extended:
(b)
operate on and after filing as a stay of the order until the review proceedings are withdrawn or finally determined.
(2)
Subsection (3) applies if a person—
(a)
brings review proceedings in respect of an order that a protection order be transferred; and
(b)
has also appealed to the High Court under section 341 against that order, and the High Court has not yet started to hear the appeal.
(3)
If this subsection applies in accordance with subsection (2), the High Court must hear both matters together, unless it considers it impracticable in the particular circumstances of the case to do so.
Section 207P: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Transfer of protection proceedings from New Zealand by order of court
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207Q Court may order transfer of protection proceedings
(1)
A court may order that protection proceedings pending in the court be transferred to the Children’s Court in a participating State if—
(a)
the chief executive applies to the court for an order that the proceedings be transferred; and
(b)
the interstate officer of the participating State has consented in writing to the transfer of the proceedings; and
(c)
the child or young person is not subject to—
(i)
an order made under paragraph (c), or any of paragraphs (k) to (o), of section 283; or
(ii)
a community-based sentence under the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(iii)
a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002; and
(d)
the chief executive certifies that neither the chief executive, nor any officer or employee of the department, knows of any charging document filed, or of any proceedings pending before the Youth Court or any other court, that could lead to the child or young person being made subject to an order or sentence referred to in paragraph (c).
(2)
Before deciding whether to order that protection proceedings be transferred, the court may direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering whether the transfer should be ordered, and sections 20 to 36 apply, with any necessary modification, to the convening of such a family group conference.
Section 207Q: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207Q(1)(c)(ii): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207Q(1)(c)(ii): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 207Q(1)(c)(iii): inserted, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 207Q(1)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 207Q(1)(d): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
207R Service of application
(1)
As soon as possible after the chief executive files in a court an application under section 207Q, the Registrar of the court must serve a copy of the application on—
(a)
each parent of the child or young person concerned or other person with whom the child or young person concerned is living; and
(b)
the child or young person concerned, unless the child or young person is incapable of understanding the application because of their level of maturity.
(2)
Section 155 (Court may dispense with service) applies, with any necessary modification, to the service of a copy of the application.
(3)
A person served with proceedings under subsection (1) is entitled to appear and be heard as a party to the proceedings.
Section 207R: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207R(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207S Court to have regard to certain matters
In considering an application under section 207Q, the court must have regard to—
(a)
whether any other proceedings relating to the child or young person are pending, or have previously been heard and determined, under the child welfare law in the participating State; and
(b)
the place or places where any of the matters giving rise to the proceedings in the court occurred; and
(c)
the place of residence, or likely place of residence, of the child or young person, their parents, and of any other people who are significant to the child or young person; and
(d)
the principles referred to in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13; and
(e)
whether the chief executive or an interstate officer is in the better position to exercise powers and responsibilities under a protection order relating to the child or young person; and
(f)
the desirability of a protection order being an order under the child welfare law of the place where the child or young person resides.
Section 207S: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207S(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 207S(d): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 100 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207T Interim order
(1)
A court that orders that protection proceedings be transferred may also make an interim order in respect of the child or young person concerned.
(2)
An interim order—
(a)
may release the child or young person into the care of any person, subject to any conditions that the court considers appropriate; and
(b)
may direct that supervision or support be provided to the child or young person by the interstate officer in the participating State or by any other person who could be so directed under the child welfare law of that State.
(3)
Part 2 applies, with any necessary modification, to an interim order, as if the interim order were an order made under section 78, except that an interim order—
(a)
remains in force for the period (not exceeding 30 days) specified in the interim order:
(b)
may be varied, or revoked, or extended, by the Children’s Court in the participating State in accordance with the interstate law of that State.
Section 207T: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207U Appeal against order for transfer
The following provisions apply to an appeal to the High Court under section 341 against an order that protection proceedings be transferred:
(a)
the appeal is on a question of law only:
(b)
the appeal must be brought within 3 working days after the day on which the order was made:
(c)
despite section 344, the appeal operates on and after filing as a stay of the order appealed against (but not of any interim order made at the same time) until the appeal is withdrawn or finally determined:
(d)
the appeal must be heard and determined by the High Court as soon as possible.
Section 207U: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207U(a): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 29(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 207U(b): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 29(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
207V Review of order for transfer
(1)
Any review proceedings in respect of an order that protection proceedings be transferred must be brought within 3 working days after the day on which the order was made, and the 3-working day period cannot be extended.
(2)
Subsection (3) applies if a person—
(a)
brings review proceedings in respect of an order that protection proceedings be transferred; and
(b)
has also appealed to the High Court under section 341 against that order, and the High Court has not yet started to hear the appeal.
(3)
If this subsection applies in accordance with subsection (2), the High Court must hear both matters together, unless it considers it impracticable in the particular circumstances of the case to do so.
Section 207V: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207W Transferred proceedings discontinued
If a court orders that protection proceedings be transferred, the proceedings are discontinued in the court on the registration of the order in the Children’s Court of the participating State in accordance with the interstate law of that State.
Section 207W: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Transfer of protection orders and protection proceedings to New Zealand
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207X Registration of orders and proceedings to be transferred to New Zealand
(1)
As soon as practicable after a decision or order is made under an interstate law for the transfer to New Zealand of a protection order, the chief executive must register the protection order in a court by filing the protection order in the office of the court.
(2)
As soon as practicable after an order is made under an interstate law for the transfer to New Zealand of protection proceedings, the chief executive must register the proceedings in a court by filing the order, together with any interim order made at the same time, in the office of the court.
(3)
The chief executive must not register a protection order, an order that protection proceedings be transferred, or an interim order, under this section if,—
(a)
as the case requires,—
(i)
the decision to transfer the protection order; or
(ii)
the order that the protection order be transferred; or
(iii)
the order that the protection proceedings be transferred,—
is subject to appeal, or review, or a stay; or
(b)
the period the interstate law allows for an appeal to be brought, or a review to be sought, has not expired.
Section 207X: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207Y Notice of registration
As soon as practicable after an order is registered in a court under section 207X, the Registrar of the court must give notice of the registration to—
(a)
the appropriate officer of the Children’s Court in the sending State; and
(b)
the interstate officer of that State.
Section 207Y: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207Z Effect of registration
(1)
If a protection order is registered in a court under section 207X,—
(a)
the order is to be treated for all purposes as a protection order of the relevant kind made by the court under Part 2 on the day on which it is registered; but
(b)
the making of the order cannot be appealed against under section 341.
(2)
If an order made under an interstate law for the transfer to New Zealand of protection proceedings is registered in a court under section 207X, the proceedings must be treated as having been commenced in the court on the day on which the order is registered.
(3)
If an interim order is registered in a court under section 207X,—
(a)
the order is to be treated for all purposes as if it were an order made by the court under section 78 on the day on which it is registered; but
(b)
the making of the interim order cannot be appealed against under section 341.
Section 207Z: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZA Court to obtain plan for child or young person
(1)
As soon as practicable after a protection order of a kind referred to in section 128(2) is registered in a court under section 207X, the court must obtain a plan in relation to the child or young person concerned, and sections 129 to 133 apply, with any necessary modification, to the obtaining of a plan required by this section, and to a plan required by this section.
(2)
A person preparing a plan required by this section must have regard to—
(a)
the terms of the protection order:
(b)
any plan, or other document (by whatever name called) that corresponds to a plan, prepared in relation to the child or young person under the child welfare law of the sending State:
(c)
the matters addressed in any report made to the Children’s Court in the sending State in relation to the application for the transfer of the protection order.
(3)
On obtaining a plan required by this section, the court must fix a date in accordance with section 134 for the review of the plan, as if it were a plan required to be prepared under section 128, and sections 135 to 138 apply, with any necessary modification, to—
(a)
the review of the plan; and
(b)
the resulting report and revised plan.
Section 207ZA: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZB Hearing and determination of transferred proceedings
If an order made under an interstate law for the transfer to New Zealand of protection proceedings is registered in a court under section 207X, the court—
(a)
is not bound by any finding of fact made in the proceedings in the Children’s Court in the sending State; and
(b)
may have regard to any transcript of, or evidence adduced in, the proceedings in the Children’s Court in the sending State.
Section 207ZB: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZC Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children or young persons
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a protection order, or an order made under an interstate law for the transfer to New Zealand of protection proceedings, is registered in a court under section 207X; and
(b)
a child or young person concerned is an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander.
(2)
If this section applies in accordance with subsection (1), a court or person exercising a power conferred by or under this Act in relation to the child or young person must be guided by the principle referred to in section 5(1)(c)(iv).
Section 207ZC: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207ZC(2): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 30 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
207ZD Application to have registration revoked
Any of the following persons may apply to a court to have the registration of an order under section 207X revoked:
(a)
the chief executive:
(b)
the child or young person concerned:
(c)
a parent of the child or young person concerned:
(d)
a party to the proceedings in the Children’s Court in the sending State in which the decision to transfer the order or proceedings (as the case requires) was made.
Section 207ZD: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZE Service of application
(1)
As soon as practicable after an application under section 207ZD is filed in a court, the Registrar of the court must serve a copy of the application on—
(a)
the interstate officer of the sending State; and
(b)
each person (other than the applicant) who could have made an application.
(2)
Section 155 (Court may dispense with service) applies, with any necessary modification, to the service of a copy of the application.
(3)
A person served with proceedings under subsection (1) is entitled to appear and be heard as a party to the proceedings.
Section 207ZE: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZF Revocation of registration
(1)
On an application under section 207ZD, the court may revoke the registration of the order if, and only if, the court is satisfied that, at the time of registration,—
(a)
as the case requires,—
(i)
the interstate officer’s decision to transfer the protection order; or
(ii)
the order of the Children’s Court that the protection order be transferred; or
(iii)
the order of the Children’s Court that the protection proceedings be transferred,—
was subject to appeal, or review, or a stay; or
(b)
the period the interstate law allows for an appeal to be brought, or review to be sought, had not expired.
(2)
The revocation of the registration of an order does not prevent the later re-registration of that order.
Section 207ZF: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZG Notice of revocation
As soon as practicable after the registration of an order is revoked under section 207ZF, the Registrar of the court must give notice of the revocation to—
(a)
the appropriate officer of the Children’s Court in the sending State; and
(b)
the interstate officer of that State.
Section 207ZG: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZH Effect of revocation on plan and documents
If the court revokes the registration of an order under section 207ZF,—
(a)
the court may, on its own initiative or on an application for the purpose, make such orders as it thinks fit with respect to the preparation or review of any plan or revised plan relating to the child or young person concerned:
(b)
the Registrar of the court must send the documents filed when the order was registered to the appropriate officer of the Children’s Court in the sending State.
Section 207ZH: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Miscellaneous provisions
Heading: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZI Expiry and revival of order transferred from New Zealand
(1)
A protection order transferred from New Zealand (the home order) ceases to have effect under this Act on the date on which the interstate officer registers a protection order (the interstate order) under the interstate law in the participating State to which the home order is transferred.
(2)
If the registration of the interstate order is revoked under the interstate law in the participating State to which the home order is transferred, then the home order is revived under this Act.
(3)
The home order is revived—
(a)
on the revocation; and
(b)
until the time at which it would have ceased to have effect if it had not been transferred.
Section 207ZI: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZJ Expiry and revival of ancillary orders
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a child or young person is the subject of a protection order (the home order) that ceases to have effect in accordance with section 207ZI(1); and
(b)
that child or young person is subject to any other order (the ancillary order) that is an order of a kind referred to in any of paragraphs (b) to (h) (except paragraph (e)) of section 83(1).
(2)
The ancillary order ceases to have effect under this Act at the same time as the home order ceases to have effect.
(3)
If the home order is revived in accordance with section 207ZI(2), the ancillary order is revived in the same way as the home order.
Section 207ZJ: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZK Transfer of court file
(1)
The Registrar of a court must send all documents filed in the court in connection with protection proceedings to the appropriate officer of the Children’s Court in a participating State if—
(a)
a protection order made in the proceedings, or the proceedings themselves, are transferred to the participating State under this Part; and
(b)
the transfer decision or order is not subject to an appeal or a review or a stay; and
(c)
the period allowed under this Part for bringing an appeal, or bringing review proceedings, has expired.
(2)
The Registrar of the court must make a copy of all documents sent under this section, and keep the copies for the same period as the sent documents would have been kept.
Section 207ZK: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZL Disclosure of information to interstate officer
(1)
This section applies to information that has come to the notice of the chief executive, or to an officer or employee of the department, in the performance of duties or exercise of powers under this Act.
(2)
Despite anything to the contrary in this Act, the chief executive may disclose to an interstate officer information to which this section applies if the chief executive considers the disclosure necessary or desirable to enable the interstate officer to perform duties or exercise powers under a child welfare law or an interstate law.
Section 207ZL: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZM Information disclosed to chief executive by interstate officer
(1)
This section applies to information that an interstate officer has disclosed to the chief executive under a provision of a child welfare law or an interstate law that corresponds to section 207ZL.
(2)
Information to which this section applies is to be taken for the purposes of this Act to have been given directly to the chief executive in New Zealand instead of to the interstate officer.
(3)
This section is subject to section 207ZN.
Section 207ZM: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
207ZN Department not to disclose information identifying notifier
(1)
This section applies to information—
(a)
to which section 207ZM applies; and
(b)
that, if disclosed, would be likely to identify, or lead to the identification of, a person (a notifier) who notified the interstate officer of the person’s belief that a child or young person was in need of care or protection.
(2)
This section does not apply to information that is or may be evidence of any grounds that the notifier had for their belief.
(3)
The chief executive, or an officer or employee of the department, must not disclose information to which this section applies unless—
(a)
the notifier has consented in writing to the disclosure; or
(b)
the disclosure is to enable—
(i)
the investigation, or consideration, of any need to take action under this Act in respect of the child or young person; or
(ii)
the taking of any such action; or
(c)
the disclosure is in accordance with subsection (4).
(4)
In proceedings in any court, or in any proceedings of a judicial nature, unless the notifier has consented in writing or the court or tribunal concerned has granted leave,—
(a)
a witness must not be asked, and if asked is entitled to refuse to answer, a question the answer to which would be information to which this section applies; and
(b)
information to which this section applies is not admissible as evidence.
(5)
A court or tribunal may grant leave under subsection (4) only if satisfied that the asking and answering of the question, or the admission as evidence of the information, is necessary—
(a)
to ensure the safety and well-being of the child or young person; or
(b)
in the interests of justice.
Section 207ZN: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 207ZN(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
207ZO Written consent of interstate officer
A document that purports to be the written consent of an interstate officer (or of an interstate officer’s authorised delegate) for the purposes of section 207D(1)(c) or section 207K(1)(d) or section 207Q(1)(b) is sufficient evidence of that consent for the purposes of this Part, unless the contrary is proved.
Section 207ZO: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Part 4 Youth justice
Principles
208 Principles
(1)
A court or person exercising powers under this Part, Part 5, or sections 351 to 360 must weigh the 4 primary considerations described in section 4A(2).
(2)
When weighing those 4 primary considerations, the court or person must be guided by, in addition to the principles in section 5, the following principles:
(a)
that, unless the public interest requires otherwise, criminal proceedings should not be instituted against a child or young person if there is an alternative means of dealing with the matter:
(b)
that criminal proceedings should not be instituted against a child or young person in order to provide any assistance or services needed to advance the well-being of the child or young person, or their family, whānau, hapū, or family group:
(c)
that any measures for dealing with offending by children or young persons should be designed—
(i)
to strengthen the family, whanau, hapu, iwi, and family group of the child or young person concerned; and
(ii)
to foster the ability of families, whanau, hapu, iwi, and family groups to develop their own means of dealing with offending by their children and young persons:
(d)
that a child or young person who commits an offence or is alleged to have committed an offence should be kept in the community so far as that is practicable and consonant with the need to ensure the safety of the public:
(e)
that a child’s or young person’s age is a mitigating factor in determining—
(i)
whether or not to impose sanctions in respect of offending by a child or young person; and
(ii)
the nature of any such sanctions:
(f)
that any sanctions imposed on a child or young person who commits an offence should—
(i)
take the form most likely to maintain and promote the development of the child or young person within their family, whanau, hapu, and family group; and
(ii)
take the least restrictive form that is appropriate in the circumstances:
(fa)
that any measures for dealing with offending by a child or young person should so far as it is practicable to do so address the causes underlying the child’s or young person’s offending:
(g)
that—
(i)
in the determination of measures for dealing with offending by children or young persons, consideration should be given to the interests and views of any victims of the offending (for example, by encouraging the victims to participate in the processes under this Part for dealing with offending); and
(ii)
any measures should have proper regard for the interests of any victims of the offending and the impact of the offending on them:
(h)
that the vulnerability of children and young persons entitles a child or young person to special protection during any investigation relating to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person.
(3)
If a court or person is exercising a power for the purpose of resolving alleged offending or offending by a child or young person, the court or person must be guided by, in addition to the principles listed in subsection (2) and section 5, the following principles:
(a)
the principle that reasonable and practical measures or assistance should be taken or provided to support the child or young person to prevent or reduce offending or reoffending; and
(b)
the principle that the child or young person should be referred to care, protection, or well-being services under this Act, if those services would be of benefit to them.
(4)
Subsection (3) does not apply to a Police employee unless the employee is employed as a specialist in resolving offending by children and young persons.
Section 208(1): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(d): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(d): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(7) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(e): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(f): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(f)(i): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(fa): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 208(2)(fa): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(g): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 208(2)(g): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(2)(h): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(3): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(8) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 208(4): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 101(8) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
208A Child or young person subject to youth justice jurisdiction only until allegations of offending dealt with
Nothing in section 4A(2), 5, or 208 requires or allows a court or person to make or keep a child or young person subject to any process under this Part, Part 5, or sections 351 to 360, unless the court or person is considering how allegations of offending are to be dealt with or is disposing of criminal proceedings.
Section 208A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 102 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Warnings and formal Police cautions
209 Consideration of warning as alternative to prosecution
Where an enforcement officer is considering whether to institute criminal proceedings against a child or young person for an offence alleged or admitted to have been committed by that child or young person, that officer shall consider whether it would be sufficient to warn the child or young person, unless a warning is clearly inappropriate having regard to the seriousness of the offence and the nature and number of previous offences committed by the child or young person.
210 Administration of warning
Where, in respect of any offence alleged or admitted to have been committed by a child or young person, an enforcement officer decides that it would be sufficient to warn that child or young person, that officer may warn the child or young person, or arrange for any other person to warn the child or young person.
211 Formal Police caution
(1)
Where, in respect of any offence admitted or proved to have been committed by a child or young person, a family group conference recommends that a formal Police caution be given to the child or young person, a constable may caution the child or young person.
(2)
The following provisions shall apply in respect of a formal Police caution given to a child or young person:
(a)
where practicable, the caution shall be given at a Police station:
(b)
the caution shall be given by a constable who is of or above the level of position of sergeant, or if no such constable is available, by the most senior constable available:
(c)
the caution shall be given in the presence of—
(i)
a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; or
(ii)
an adult person nominated by the child or young person.
Section 211(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 211(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 211(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, by section 130(1) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
212 Notice of warning or caution
(1)
Every person who gives a warning pursuant to section 210, or a formal Police caution pursuant to section 211, to any child or young person shall, as soon as practicable after giving that warning or caution, give written notice specifying the offence in respect of which the warning or caution is given, and recording the fact that a warning or caution has been given in respect of that offence, to the child or young person and a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person.
(2)
Where practicable, every such notice shall be given in language that can be understood by the child or young person and the parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person.
213 Evidence of warnings and formal Police cautions and of offences to which they relate not admissible in criminal proceedings
Where, in respect of any offence alleged or admitted or proved to have been committed by a child or young person, a warning or formal Police caution is given to that child or young person pursuant to section 210 or section 211,—
(a)
no information relating to that warning or that caution shall be disclosed, other than on behalf of the defence, in any criminal proceedings against that child or young person:
(b)
no evidence of that offence shall be admissible, on behalf of the prosecution, in any criminal proceedings against that child or young person for any other offence.
Arrest of child or young person without warrant
214 Arrest of child or young person without warrant
(1)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, where, under any enactment, any enforcement officer has a power of arrest without warrant, that officer shall not arrest a child or young person pursuant to that power unless that officer is satisfied, on reasonable grounds,—
(a)
that it is necessary to arrest that child or young person without warrant for the purpose of—
(i)
ensuring the appearance of the child or young person before the court; or
(ii)
preventing that child or young person from committing further offences; or
(iii)
preventing the loss or destruction of evidence relating to an offence committed by the child or young person or an offence that the enforcement officer has reasonable cause to suspect that child or young person of having committed, or preventing interference with any witness in respect of any such offence; and
(b)
where the child or young person may be proceeded against by way of summons, that proceeding by way of summons would not achieve that purpose.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) prevents a constable from arresting a child or young person without warrant on a charge of any offence where—
(a)
the constable has reasonable cause to suspect that the child or young person has committed a category 4 offence or category 3 offence for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years; and
(b)
the constable believes, on reasonable grounds, that the arrest of the child or young person is required in the public interest.
(2A)
Nothing in subsection (1) prevents a constable from arresting a child or young person without warrant under section 214A if the criteria in that section are met.
(3)
Every enforcement officer who arrests a child or young person without warrant shall, within 3 days of making the arrest, furnish a written report—
(a)
where that enforcement officer is a constable, to the Commissioner of Police:
(b)
where that enforcement officer is a traffic officer who is a Police employee who is not a constable, to the Commissioner of Police:
(c)
where that enforcement officer is an officer or employee of the public service, to the chief executive of the department of which that person is an officer or employee:
(d)
where that enforcement officer is an officer of a local authority, to the chief executive of that local authority.
(4)
Every report furnished pursuant to subsection (3) in respect of the arrest of any child or young person shall state the reason why the child or young person was arrested without warrant.
Compare: Children’s Services Ordinance 1986 s 31 (Australian Capital Territory)
Section 214(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 31(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 214(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 214(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 214(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 214(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 214(2A): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 31(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 214(3)(a): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 214(3)(b): replaced, on 1 July 1992, by section 36 of the Transport Amendment Act (No 2) 1992 (1992 No 67).
Section 214(3)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(d) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 214(3)(c): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 214(3)(d): amended, on 1 July 2003, by section 262 of the Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84).
214A Arrest of child or young person in breach of bail condition
(1)
A constable may arrest a child or young person without a warrant if—
(a)
the child or young person has been released on bail; and
(b)
the constable believes, on reasonable grounds, that—
(i)
the child or young person is in breach of, or has recently breached, a condition of that bail; and
(ii)
the child or young person has on 2 or more previous occasions breached a condition of that bail (whether or not the same condition).
(2)
If a child or young person appears before a court and the court considers the child’s or young person’s bail, no breach of a bail condition that occurred before the appearance may be used to support a subsequent arrest under this section.
(3)
This section does not apply if a child or young person is arrested without warrant under section 35 of the Bail Act 2000 in accordance with section 214 of this Act.
Section 214A: inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(3) of the Bail Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 66).
Section 214A(1)(b)(i): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 32(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 214A(2): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 32(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 214A(3): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 32(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
214B Arrest of person aged 17 years released on bail by District Court or High Court
(1)
This section applies to a person aged 17 years if—
(a)
the person is a defendant who—
(i)
has been charged with, or convicted of, any offence (except a drug dealing offence) in the District Court or the High Court; and
(ii)
has been released on bail for the offence, or the alleged offence, by a court, a Registrar, or a Police employee; and
(b)
any of the circumstances set out in section 35(1) of the Bail Act 2000 apply to the person so as to empower the arrest without warrant of the person.
(2)
This section also applies to a person aged 17 years if—
(a)
the person is a defendant who—
(i)
has been charged with, or convicted of, a drug dealing offence in the District Court or the High Court; and
(ii)
has been released on bail for the offence, or the alleged offence, by a District Court Judge or a High Court Judge; and
(b)
any of the circumstances set out in section 36(1) of the Bail Act 2000 apply to the person so as to empower the arrest without warrant of the person.
(3)
Nothing in section 214 or 214A applies to the arrest of the person aged 17 years without warrant under section 35(1) or 36(1) of the Bail Act 2000.
Section 214B: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 5 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Rights of children and young persons when questioned, charged with offence, or arrested
215 Child or young person to be informed of rights before questioned by enforcement officer
(1)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every enforcement officer shall, before questioning any child or young person whom there are reasonable grounds to suspect of having committed an offence, or before asking any child or young person any question intended to obtain an admission of an offence, explain to that child or young person—
(a)
subject to subsection (2), if the circumstances are such that the enforcement officer would have power to arrest the child or young person without warrant, that the child or young person may be arrested if, by refusing to give their name and address to the enforcement officer, the child or young person cannot be served with a summons; and
(b)
subject to subsection (2), that the child or young person is not obliged to accompany the enforcement officer to any place for the purpose of being questioned, and that if the child or young person consents to do so, the child or young person may withdraw that consent at any time; and
(c)
that the child or young person is under no obligation to make or give any statement; and
(d)
that if the child or young person consents to make or give a statement, the child or young person may withdraw that consent at any time; and
(e)
that any statement made or given may be used in evidence in any proceedings; and
(f)
that the child or young person is entitled to consult with, and make or give any statement in the presence of, a barrister or solicitor and any person nominated by the child or young person in accordance with section 222.
(2)
Nothing in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of subsection (1) applies where the child or young person is under arrest.
(3)
Without limiting subsection (1), where, during the course of questioning a child or young person, an enforcement officer forms the view that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the child or young person of having committed an offence, the enforcement officer shall, before continuing the questioning, give the explanation required by that subsection.
Section 215(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 30(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 215(1)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 215(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 215(3): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 30(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
215A Rights to be explained to child or young person on request
Subject to sections 233 and 244, where—
(a)
any enforcement officer is questioning any child or young person in relation to that child’s or young person’s involvement in the commission of any offence or suspected offence; and
(b)
that child or young person makes any enquiry of that enforcement officer, being an enquiry that relates (in whole or in part), or that may reasonably be taken as relating (in whole or in part), to any of the matters set out in any of paragraphs (a) to (f) of section 215(1),—
that enforcement officer shall explain to that child or young person such of those matters as, in the circumstances of the particular case, are appropriate to the enquiry that was made.
Section 215A: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 31(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
216 Enforcement officer to explain rights to child or young person who is to be charged with offence
Subject to sections 233 and 244, where—
(a)
an enforcement officer is questioning a child or young person in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person; and
(b)
that enforcement officer decides to charge that child or young person with an offence,—
the enforcement officer shall explain to that child or young person—
(c)
except where the child or young person is under arrest, the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 215(1); and
(d)
the matters specified in paragraphs (c) to (f) of section 215(1).
Section 216(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
217 Rights to be explained to child or young person who is arrested
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every enforcement officer shall, on arresting any child or young person pursuant to section 214, explain to that child or young person the matters specified in paragraphs (c) to (f) of section 215(1).
218 Explanations to be given in manner and language appropriate to age and level of understanding of child or young person
Every explanation required to be given to a child or young person pursuant to section 215 or section 215A or section 216 or section 217 shall be given in a manner and in language that is appropriate to the age and level of understanding of the child or young person.
Section 218: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 31(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
219 Explanations not required if child or young person already informed of rights
Nothing in section 215 or section 215A or section 216 or section 217 requires any explanation to be given to a child or young person if the same explanation has been given to the child or young person not earlier than 1 hour before the later explanation would, apart from this section, be required to be given.
Section 219: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 31(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
220 Other enactments requiring information or particulars not affected
Nothing in section 215 or section 215A or section 216 or section 217 limits or affects any other enactment or rule of law that imposes a requirement on any person to supply any information or particulars to an enforcement officer.
Section 220: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 31(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Provisions relating to admissibility of statements made by children and young persons
221 Admissibility of statements made by children and young persons
(1)
This section applies to—
(a)
every child or young person who is being questioned by an enforcement officer in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person:
(b)
every child or young person—
(i)
who has been arrested pursuant to section 214; or
(ii)
whom any enforcement officer has decided to charge with the commission of an offence; or
(iii)
who has been detained in the custody of an enforcement officer following arrest pursuant to section 214.
(2)
Subject to sections 223 to 225 and sections 233 and 244, no oral or written statement made or given to any enforcement officer by a child or young person to whom this section applies is admissible in evidence in any proceedings against that child or young person for an offence unless—
(a)
before the statement was made or given, the enforcement officer has explained in a manner and in language that is appropriate to the age and level of understanding of the child or young person,—
(i)
except where subsection (1)(b)(i) or (iii) applies, the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 215(1); and
(ii)
the matters specified in paragraphs (c) to (f) of section 215(1); and
(b)
where the child or young person wishes to consult with a barrister or solicitor and any person nominated by that child or young person in accordance with section 222, or either of those persons, before making or giving the statement, the child or young person consults with those persons or, as the case requires, that person; and
(c)
the child or young person makes or gives the statement in the presence of 1 or more of the following persons:
(i)
a barrister or solicitor:
(ii)
any person nominated by the child or young person in accordance with section 222:
(iii)
where the child or young person refuses or fails to nominate any person in accordance with section 222,—
(A)
any person referred to in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of section 222(1); or
(B)
any other adult (not being an enforcement officer).
Section 221(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
222 Persons who may be nominated for the purposes of section 221(2)(b) or (c)
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), a child or young person may nominate one of the following persons for the purposes of section 221(2)(b) or (c):
(a)
a parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(b)
an adult member of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person:
(c)
any other adult selected by the child or young person:
(d)
if the child or young person refuses or fails to nominate any person referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c), any adult (not being an enforcement officer) nominated for the purpose by an enforcement officer.
(2)
Where an enforcement officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that any person nominated by a child or young person pursuant to subsection (1)(a) or (b) or (c),—
(a)
if permitted to consult with the child or young person pursuant to section 221(2)(b), would attempt, or would be likely to attempt, to pervert the course of justice; or
(b)
cannot with reasonable diligence be located, or will not be available within a period of time that is reasonable in the circumstances,—
that enforcement officer may refuse to allow the child or young person to consult with that person.
(3)
Where, pursuant to subsection (2), a child or young person is not permitted to consult with a person nominated by that child or young person pursuant to subsection (1), that child or young person shall, subject to subsection (2), be permitted to consult with any other person nominated by that child or young person pursuant to subsection (1).
(4)
It is the duty of any person nominated pursuant to subsection (1)—
(a)
to take reasonable steps to ensure that the child or young person understands the matters explained to the child or young person under section 221(2)(a); and
(b)
to support the child or young person—
(i)
before and during any questioning; and
(ii)
if the child or young person agrees to make or give any statement, during the making or giving of the statement.
Section 222(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 32 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
223 Section 221 not to apply where statement made before requirements of that section can be met
Nothing in section 221 applies to an oral statement made by a child or young person spontaneously and before an enforcement officer has had a reasonable opportunity to comply with the requirements of that section.
224 Reasonable compliance sufficient
No statement shall be inadmissible pursuant to section 221 on the grounds that any requirement imposed by that section has not been strictly complied with or has not been complied with at all, provided that there has been reasonable compliance with the requirements imposed by that section.
225 Other enactments relating to admissibility of statements or confessions, or requiring information or particulars to be given, not affected
Nothing in section 221 limits or affects—
(a)
any other enactment or rule of law (not being an enactment or rule of law inconsistent with the provisions of that section) relating to the admissibility of statements and confessions; or
(b)
any other enactment or rule of law that imposes a requirement on any person to supply any information or particulars to an enforcement officer.
226 Evidence of communications during consultation not admissible
Notwithstanding any other enactment or rule of law, no evidence of any communication (whether oral, written, or in any other form) that occurs between a child or young person and any person with whom that child or young person is consulting pursuant to section 221(2)(b) while that consultation is taking place shall be admissible on behalf of the prosecution in any proceedings against that child or young person for any offence.
Entitlement to consult barrister or solicitor
227 Child or young person at enforcement agency office for questioning in relation to commission or possible commission of offence or arrested entitled to consult with barrister or solicitor
(1)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, an enforcement officer shall, in relation to any child or young person who is at an enforcement agency office for questioning in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person, as soon as practicable after the child or young person arrives at the enforcement agency office, inform that child or young person that the child or young person is entitled to consult with a barrister or solicitor.
(2)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every enforcement officer who arrests a child or young person shall, on arresting the child or young person, inform the child or young person that the child or young person is entitled to consult with a barrister or solicitor at the enforcement agency office to which the child or young person is to be taken following arrest or, if the child or young person is arrested at an enforcement agency office, at that office.
(3)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every child or young person who is at an enforcement agency office for questioning in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person, or who is taken to an enforcement agency office following arrest, or who is arrested at an enforcement agency office, as the case may be, is entitled to consult privately with a barrister or solicitor at that enforcement agency office.
(4)
Nothing in subsection (3) limits section 13G(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 1978.
228 Entitlement of child or young person to consult with barrister or solicitor where taken to hospital following arrest or questioned at hospital
(1)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every child or young person—
(a)
who is taken to a hospital for treatment following arrest; or
(b)
who is arrested while at a hospital for treatment; or
(c)
who, while at any hospital for treatment, is to be questioned by an enforcement officer in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person—
is entitled to consult privately with a barrister or solicitor at that hospital.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) limits section 13G(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act 1978.
Notification of parents and other persons where child or young person being questioned or is arrested
229 Parents or guardians or other persons to be informed where child or young person at enforcement agency office for questioning in relation to commission or possible commission of offence or is arrested
(1)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, an enforcement officer shall, in relation to any child or young person who is at an enforcement agency office for questioning in relation to the commission or possible commission of an offence by that child or young person, or who is at an enforcement agency office following arrest, as soon as practicable after the child or young person arrives at the enforcement agency office for questioning, or is taken to the enforcement agency office following arrest, or in the case of a child or young person who is arrested at an enforcement agency office, is arrested, as the case may be,—
(a)
inform a person nominated by the child or young person in accordance with section 231 that the child or young person is at the enforcement agency office for questioning or has been arrested and that the child or young person may be visited at the enforcement agency office; and
(b)
where—
(i)
the person nominated by the child or young person for the purposes of paragraph (a) is not a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; or
(ii)
the child or young person refuses or fails to nominate any person in accordance with section 231,—
unless it is impracticable to do so, inform the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the child or young person that the child or young person is at the enforcement agency office for questioning or has been arrested.
(2)
Subject to sections 233 and 244, every person who is informed pursuant to subsection (1)(a) that a child or young person has been taken to an enforcement agency office or arrested—
(a)
is entitled to visit that child or young person at the enforcement agency office; and
(b)
shall, as soon as practicable after that person arrives at the enforcement agency office to visit the child or young person, have explained to that person by an enforcement officer, in language that can be understood by that person, the matters specified in paragraphs (c) to (f) of section 215(1); and
(c)
subject to subsection (3), is entitled to consult privately with that child or young person during that visit.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (2)(c) entitles any person to consult privately with a child or young person (being a child or young person who has been arrested)—
(a)
in the absence of any enforcement officer who is for the time being guarding that child or young person; or
(b)
otherwise than subject to such reasonable conditions as may be necessary to ensure the safety of the child or young person or to prevent the commission of any offence.
Compare: Children’s Services Ordinance 1986 ss 29, 32 (Australian Capital Territory)
Section 229(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
230 Evidence of communications during visit not admissible
Notwithstanding any other enactment or rule of law, no evidence of any communication (whether oral, written, or in any other form) that occurs between a child or young person who is at an enforcement agency office and any person who is visiting that child or young person pursuant to section 229(2) while that visit is taking place shall be admissible on behalf of the prosecution in any proceedings against that child or young person for any offence.
231 Persons who may be nominated for the purposes of section 229(1)(a)
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), a child or young person may nominate one of the following persons for the purposes of section 229(1)(a):
(a)
a parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(b)
an adult member of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person:
(c)
any other adult selected by the child or young person:
(d)
if the child or young person refuses or fails to nominate any person referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c), any adult (not being an enforcement officer) nominated for the purpose by an enforcement officer.
(2)
Where an enforcement officer believes, on reasonable grounds, that any person nominated by a child or young person pursuant to subsection (1)(a) or (b) or (c), if permitted to visit the child or young person pursuant to section 229(2)(a), would attempt, or would be likely to attempt, to pervert the course of justice, that enforcement officer may refuse to allow that person to visit the child or young person.
(3)
Where, pursuant to subsection (2), a person nominated by a child or young person pursuant to subsection (1) is not permitted to visit that child or young person, any other person nominated by that child or young person pursuant to subsection (1) shall, subject to subsection (2), be permitted to visit that child or young person pursuant to section 229(2)(a).
(4)
It is the duty of any person nominated pursuant to subsection (1)—
(a)
to take reasonable steps to ensure that the child or young person understands the matters explained to the child or young person under section 221(2)(a); and
(b)
to support the child or young person—
(i)
before and during any questioning; and
(ii)
if the child or young person agrees to make or give any statement, during the making or giving of the statement.
Section 231(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 33 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
232 Notice of offence with which child or young person charged to be given to parents or guardians or other persons having care of child or young person
(1)
Where a child or young person who has been arrested is charged with the commission of an offence, an enforcement officer shall, as soon as practicable, give oral or written notice specifying the nature of the charge to—
(a)
the child or young person; and
(b)
a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; and
(c)
the person nominated by the child or young person pursuant to section 231.
(2)
Every such notice shall be given in language that can be understood by all the persons who are required, by subsection (1), to be given that notice.
Breath-alcohol and blood-alcohol provisions of Land Transport Act 1998 not affected
Heading: amended, on 10 May 2011, by section 100(3) of the Land Transport (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 13).
233 Breath-alcohol and blood-alcohol provisions of Land Transport Act 1998 not affected
Nothing in the provisions of sections 214 to 232 limits or affects the powers of an enforcement officer under any of the provisions of sections 68 to 72 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Section 233: replaced, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Custody of child or young person following arrest or pending hearing
234 Custody of child or young person following arrest
Subject to sections 235, 236, and 244, where a child or young person is arrested with or without warrant, a constable shall—
(a)
release the child or young person; or
(b)
where the child or young person may be released on bail under section 21 of the Bail Act 2000, release the child or young person on bail; or
(c)
deliver the child or young person into the custody of—
(i)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person; or
(ii)
with the agreement of the child or young person, any iwi social service or cultural social service; or
(iii)
with the agreement of the child or young person, any other person or organisation approved by the chief executive or a constable for the purpose.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(1); 1982 No 135 s 10; 1983 No 129 s 10(1)
Section 234: amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 234(b): replaced, on 1 January 2001, by section 74(2) of the Bail Act 2000 (2000 No 38).
Section 234(c)(ii): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 234(c)(iii): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 234(c)(iii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
235 Child or young person who is arrested may be placed in custody of chief executive
(1)
Notwithstanding section 234 but subject to section 244, a constable, in relation to any child or young person who has been arrested and if subsection (1A) applies,—
(a)
must place the child or young person in the custody of the chief executive in accordance with subsection (2); and
(b)
must do so as soon as practicable and not later than 24 hours after the arrest.
(1A)
This subsection applies if—
(a)
the constable believes, on reasonable grounds, that—
(i)
the child or young person is not likely to appear before the court; or
(ii)
the child or young person may commit further offences; or
(iii)
it is necessary to prevent—
(A)
the loss or destruction of evidence relating to an offence committed by the child or young person or an offence that the constable has reasonable cause to suspect the child or young person of having committed; or
(B)
interference with any witness in respect of any such offence; or
(b)
the child or young person has been arrested under section 214A and is likely to continue to breach any condition of bail.
(2)
A child or young person shall be placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to this section by—
(a)
delivering the child or young person to the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate); and
(b)
presenting to the delegate, on the prescribed form, details relating to—
(i)
the identity of the child or young person; and
(ii)
the circumstances of the arrest of the child or young person; and
(iii)
the date and time of the intended appearance of the child or young person before the court having jurisdiction in the matter in relation to which the child or young person was arrested.
(3)
Placement of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive under subsection (1) shall be sufficient authority for the detention of the child or young person by a delegate or in a residence under this Act, or under the care of any suitable person approved by a delegate.
(4)
No constable shall exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) merely because the constable believes that any child or young person is in need of care or protection (as defined in section 14).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(2), (5); 1982 No 135 s 10; 1983 No 129 s 10(2), (3)
Section 235 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 235(1): replaced, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(4) of the Bail Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 66).
Section 235(1A): inserted, on 4 September 2013, by section 41(4) of the Bail Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 66).
Section 235(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 235(2)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 235(2)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 235(2)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 235(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 235(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 235(4): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
236 Young person who is arrested may be detained in Police custody
(1)
Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 234 and 235 but subject to section 244, where the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) and a constable, being a senior sergeant or a constable who is of or above the level of position of inspector, are satisfied on reasonable grounds—
(a)
that a young person who has been arrested is likely to abscond or be violent; and
(b)
that suitable facilities for the detention in safe custody of that young person are not available to the chief executive,—
the young person may, on the joint certificate in the prescribed form of the delegate and that constable, be detained in Police custody for a period exceeding 24 hours and until appearance before the court.
(2)
If a joint certificate is issued under subsection (1), there shall, within 5 days after the day on which the certificate is issued, be furnished by the delegate to the chief executive and by the constable to the Commissioner of Police—
(a)
a copy of the certificate; and
(b)
a written report stating—
(i)
the circumstances in which the certificate came to be issued; and
(ii)
the duration of the period for which the young person has been detained, or is likely to be detained, in Police custody.
(3)
Any delegation by the chief executive of a function or power under this section must be made to a senior employee or senior employees of the department.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(3), (4); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 236(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 236(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 236(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 236(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(b) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 236(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 236(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 236(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 236(3): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
237 Child or young person who is arrested to be brought before court as soon as possible
Subject to section 244, a child or young person to whom section 235 or section 236 applies shall be brought before the Youth Court or, as the case requires, the Family Court, as soon as possible, to be dealt with according to law.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(5); 1982 No 135 s 10; 1983 No 129 s 10(3)
Section 237: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
238 Custody of child or young person pending hearing
(1)
Where a child or young person (who for the purpose of paragraph (f) is limited to a young person who is aged 17 years) appears before the Youth Court, the court shall—
(a)
release the child or young person; or
(b)
release the child or young person on bail; or
(c)
order that the child or young person be delivered into the custody of the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the child or young person or any person approved by the chief executive for the purpose; or
(d)
subject to section 239(1), order that the child or young person be detained in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, or a cultural social service; or
(e)
subject to section 239(2), order that the young person (but cannot under this paragraph order that the child) be detained in Police custody; or
(f)
subject to section 239(2A), order that the young person (aged 17 years) be detained in a youth unit of a prison.
(1A)
[Expired](1B)
[Expired](1C)
[Expired](2)
If a child or young person appears before the Youth Court charged with the commission of an offence that the Commissioner of Police determines under section 29A of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002 to be a specified offence, then,—
(a)
before the court makes an order under subsection (1), the prosecutor must—
(i)
make all reasonable efforts to ascertain the views (if any) each victim has about which of the types of order that may be made under subsection (1) is the most appropriate to be made by the court; and
(ii)
inform the court of those views; and
(b)
after the court has made an order under subsection (1), the Commissioner of Police must inform each victim (whether or not the victim’s views have been ascertained under paragraph (a)) of—
(i)
the order made by the court; and
(ii)
in the case of any order made under subsection (1)(b), any conditions of bail imposed by the court that—
(A)
relate to the safety and security of the victim or 1 or more members of the victim’s immediate family, or of both; or
(B)
require the child or young person not to associate with, or not to contact, the victim or 1 or more members of the victim’s immediate family, or both.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the court from making an order under subsection (1), even though the court has not been informed of the views of any victim.
(4)
The court must not refuse bail to a child or young person merely because the court considers that the child or young person is in need of care or protection (as defined in section 14).
(5)
In this section,—
immediate family has the meaning given in section 4 of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002
specified offence has the meaning given in section 29 of the Victims’ Rights Act 2002.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(6); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 238(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 103(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 238(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 238(1)(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 238(1)(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 238(1)(d): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 238(1)(e): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 103(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 238(1)(f): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 103(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 238(1A): expired, on 1 July 2004, by section 239A.
Section 238(1B): expired, on 1 July 2004, by section 239A.
Section 238(1C): expired, on 1 July 2004, by section 239A.
Section 238(2): replaced, on 6 December 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 238(3): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 238(4): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 238(5): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
239 Restrictions on power of court to order child or young person to be detained in custody
(1)
The court shall not make an order under section 238(1)(d) for the detention of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service unless it appears to the court that pending the determination of the charge, or if the order is being considered under section 296F(3), pending the determination of the breach application or variation or cancellation application,—
(a)
the child or young person is likely to abscond; or
(b)
the child or young person may commit further offences; or
(c)
it is necessary to prevent the loss or destruction of evidence relating to the offence with which the child or young person is charged or prevent interference with any witness in respect of any such offence.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under section 238(1)(e) for the detention of a young person in Police custody unless the court is satisfied—
(a)
that the young person is likely to abscond or be violent; and
(b)
that suitable facilities for the detention in safe custody of that young person are not available to the chief executive.
(2A)
The court may make an order under section 238(1)(f) for the detention of a young person (aged 17 years) in a prison only if—
(a)
a joint application has been made by the chief executive and the chief executive of the Department of Corrections for the order; and
(b)
the court is satisfied that the order is necessary to ensure the safety of any young person (as defined in section 2(1)) who is in the custody of the chief executive; and
(c)
the court is satisfied that a youth unit within a prison is available for the young person to stay in.
(3)
[Expired]Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(6); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 239(1): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 239(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 239(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 239(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 239(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 239(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 239(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 239(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 104 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 239(3): expired, on 1 July 2004, by section 239A.
239A Expiry of sections 238(1A) to (1C), and 239(3)
[Repealed]Section 239A: repealed, on 17 December 2022, by section 33 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
240 Conditions of bail
(1)
Where a child or young person is released on bail pursuant to section 238(1)(b), the court may impose as a condition of that child’s or young person’s release that the child or young person shall not during a specified period be absent from home or engage in a particular activity without the consent of the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the child or young person.
(2)
The power conferred by subsection (1) is in addition to the powers conferred on a court by section 30 of the Bail Act 2000.
Section 240(2): replaced, on 1 January 2001, by section 74(2) of the Bail Act 2000 (2000 No 38).
Section 240(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
241 Review of orders made under section 238
(1)
The Youth Court or the High Court may, from time to time, review any order made under section 238.
(2)
Despite subsection (1), unless clearly impracticable, an order made under section 238(1)(e) must be reviewed by the Youth Court at least once every 24 hours.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(7); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 241(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 241(2): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 105 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
242 Order under section 238 sufficient authority for detention of child or young person
(1)
The making of an order under section 238(1)(d) for the detention of a child or young person in the custody of the chief executive shall be sufficient authority—
(a)
for the detention of the child or young person in a residence under this Act; and
(b)
for the detention of the child or young person in Police custody for a period of not more than 24 hours at any one time if the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) and a constable, being a senior sergeant or a constable who is of or above the level of position of inspector, are satisfied on reasonable grounds—
(i)
that the child or young person is likely to abscond or be violent; and
(ii)
that suitable facilities for the detention in safe custody of that child or young person are not available to the chief executive.
(1A)
The detention of a child or young person in a residence under subsection (1)(a) must be reviewed by the chief executive at least once every 14 days, unless special circumstances apply.
(2)
The making of an order under section 238(1)(e) for the detention of a young person in Police custody shall be sufficient authority for the detention of the young person in Police custody.
(2A)
The making of an order under section 238(1)(f) for the detention of a young person (aged 17 years) in a youth unit of a prison is sufficient authority for the detention of that young person in a youth unit of a prison.
(2B)
The detention of a young person in a youth unit of a prison under subsection (2A) must be reviewed by the chief executive at least once every 14 days, unless special circumstances apply.
(3)
Any delegation by the chief executive of a function or power under subsection (1)(b) must be made to a senior employee or senior employees of the department.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(8); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 242(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 242(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 242(1)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 242(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 242(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(b) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 242(1)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 242(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 106(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 242(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 7(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 242(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 106(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 242(2B): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 106(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 242(3): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 242(3): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 34 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
243 Other powers to grant bail not affected
Nothing in section 238 limits the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court or the provisions of any Act under which a child or young person may be granted bail, except that any powers conferred by any such provisions on the District Court shall, where the person charged is a child or young person (other than one charged with murder or manslaughter), be exercised by the Youth Court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 43(11); 1982 No 135 s 10
Section 243: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Powers under Immigration Act 2009 not affected
Heading: amended, at 2 am on 29 November 2010, pursuant to section 406(1) of the Immigration Act 2009 (2009 No 51).
244 Immigration Act 2009 (other than sections 342 to 354) not affected
Nothing in sections 214 to 243 limits or affects any provision of the Immigration Act 2009 other than sections 342 to 354 (offence provisions) of that Act.
Section 244: replaced, at 2 am on 29 November 2010, by section 406(1) of the Immigration Act 2009 (2009 No 51).
Prosecution of children and young persons
245 Proceedings not to be instituted against young person unless youth justice co-ordinator consulted and family group conference held
(1)
Where a young person is alleged to have committed an offence, and the offence is such that if the young person is charged the young person will be required pursuant to section 272 to be brought before the Youth Court then, unless the young person has been arrested, no charging document in respect of that offence may be filed unless—
(a)
the person intending to commence the proceedings believes that the institution of criminal proceedings against the young person for that offence is required in the public interest; and
(b)
consultation in relation to the matter has taken place between—
(i)
the person intending to commence the proceedings or another person acting on that person’s behalf; and
(ii)
a youth justice co-ordinator; and
(c)
the matter has been considered by a family group conference convened under this Part.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in subparagraph (i) of paragraph (b) of subsection (1), where the person intending to commence the proceedings is not an enforcement officer, the consultation required by that paragraph shall be consultation between a youth justice co-ordinator and an enforcement officer authorised in that behalf by the person intending to commence the proceedings.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 26; 1977 No 126 s 6(1)
Section 245(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 245(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 245(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 245(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 245(1)(b)(i): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 245(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
246 Procedure where young person arrested and brought before court
Where a young person is arrested for an offence (other than murder or manslaughter or a traffic offence that is an infringement offence or, in the case of a person aged 17 years, an offence specified in Schedule 1A) and is brought before the Youth Court to answer the charge, the following provisions shall apply:
(a)
if, after consulting with the barrister or solicitor representing the young person or with a youth advocate, the young person denies the charge, then the charge shall be dealt with in accordance with sections 273 to 276:
(b)
in any other case the court shall not enter a plea to the charge but shall—
(i)
direct a youth justice co-ordinator to convene a family group conference in relation to the matter; and
(ii)
adjourn the proceedings until that family group conference had been held.
Section 246: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 107 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 246: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
247 Youth justice co-ordinator to convene family group conference
Where—
(a)
pursuant to section 18(3), a youth justice co-ordinator is required to convene a family group conference; or
(b)
after any consultations under section 245(1)(b) in relation to any offence alleged to have been committed by a young person, a youth justice co-ordinator is notified by an enforcement officer that the person intending to commence the proceedings desires that the young person be charged with that offence; or
(c)
pursuant to section 246(a), a young person denies a charge and the court makes an order under section 238(1)(d), (e), or (f) for the detention of the young person pending the determination of the charge; or
(d)
pursuant to section 246(b)(i), a youth justice co-ordinator is directed by a court to convene a family group conference; or
(e)
a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, and a family group conference has not had an opportunity to consider ways in which the court might deal with the young person for the offence that forms the basis of that charge,—
a youth justice co-ordinator shall, subject to sections 248 to 250, fix the date on which and the time and place at which a family group conference is to be held.
Section 247(b): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 247(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 6 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 247(e): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
247A Family group conference not required, suspended, or discontinued when charges include Schedule 1A offence and non-Schedule 1A offence
(1)
Section 245 does not apply if—
(a)
a young person aged 17 years is charged with a Schedule 1A offence; and
(b)
an enforcement officer intends to commence criminal proceedings against the young person for a non-Schedule 1A offence; and
(c)
the prosecutor intends to seek a determination from the Youth Court under section 276AA(2).
(2)
If the prosecutor seeks a determination from the Youth Court under section 276AA(2), section 246(b) does not apply unless and until the Youth Court—
(a)
determines under section 276AA(4) that the charge is not a related charge; or
(b)
orders that the charge remain and be dealt with in the Youth Court under section 276AC(2).
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if—
(a)
a young person aged 17 years is charged with a Schedule 1A offence; and
(b)
a family group conference has been convened under section 247(b), (c), or (d) in respect of a non-Schedule 1A offence that is alleged to have been committed by the young person; and
(c)
either—
(i)
an enforcement officer intends to commence criminal proceedings for the non-Schedule 1A offence; or
(ii)
the young person is charged with the non-Schedule 1A offence; and
(d)
the prosecutor seeks, or intends to seek (in the circumstances of paragraph (c)(i)), a determination from the Youth Court under section 276AA(2).
(4)
If this subsection applies, the family group conference must be—
(a)
suspended unless and until the Youth Court—
(i)
determines under section 276AA(4) that the charge is not a related charge; or
(ii)
orders that the charge remain and be dealt with in the Youth Court under section 276AC(2); and
(b)
discontinued if the Youth Court transfers the related charge to the District Court or the High Court under section 276AB(1).
Section 247A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 7 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
248 Family group conference not required in certain cases
(1)
Nothing in section 245(1)(c) or section 246(b) or section 247(b) or (d) or (e) or section 281 requires a family group conference to be held in respect of any offence alleged or proved to have been committed by a young person if—
(a)
the offence is alleged or proved to have been committed on a date that is earlier than the date on which—
(i)
the young person was convicted and sentenced in the High Court or the District Court; or
(ii)
the Youth Court made an order under section 283 in respect of that young person—
for any other offence (not being an offence the maximum penalty for which is less than the maximum penalty that may be imposed in respect of the first-mentioned offence); or
(b)
the young person is subject to a sentence of imprisonment or a community-based sentence (as those terms are defined in section 4(1) of the Sentencing Act 2002), or to a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002, or to any order made under any of paragraphs (k) to (o) of section 283,—
and, subject to subsection (5), in either case, a youth justice co-ordinator is of the view that the holding of a family group conference would serve no useful purpose, and the family or whanau or family group of the young person agree with that view.
(2)
Where—
(a)
a family group conference has been convened pursuant to section 247 in relation to any offence alleged or proved to have been committed by a child or young person; and
(b)
before the family group conference has made any decision, recommendation, or plan pursuant to section 260 in relation to that offence, that child or young person is alleged or proven to have committed any other offence (being an offence in respect of which a family group conference would be required to be held pursuant to section 247),—
the family group conference may make in respect of the latter offence any decision, recommendation, or plan that it is empowered to make under section 260, and it shall not be necessary to convene a separate family group conference in relation to that latter offence.
(3)
Nothing in section 245(1)(c) or section 246(b) or section 247(b) or (d) or (e)or section 281 requires a family group conference to be held in respect of any offence alleged or proved to have been committed by a young person if—
(a)
the requirement to convene a conference under any of those sections arose within 6 weeks of the completion of a previous family group conference—
(i)
that was convened under this Part in respect of any other offence; and
(ii)
that had the opportunity to consider how that offence should be dealt with; and
(b)
subject to subsections (4) and (5), a youth justice co-ordinator—
(i)
is of the view that the holding of a family group conference would serve no useful purpose; and
(ii)
is satisfied that—
(A)
the family, whanau, or family group of the young person; and
(B)
each of the persons who would be entitled to attend a family group conference under any of paragraphs (d) to (n) of section 251—
agree with that view.
(4)
Before forming a view as to whether or not a family group conference would serve a useful purpose under subsection (3), the youth justice co-ordinator shall—
(a)
consult with—
(i)
the family, whanau, or family group of the young person concerned; and
(ii)
the persons who would be entitled to attend the family group conference pursuant to any of paragraphs (d) to (n) of section 251; and
(b)
have regard to—
(i)
the response of the young person to any decisions, recommendations, or plans made or formulated by the previous family group conference; and
(ii)
the seriousness and extent of the offending alleged or proved to have been committed by the young person and that gives rise to the requirement to hold a family group conference.
(5)
Before forming a view as to whether or not a family group conference would serve a useful purpose under subsection (1) or subsection (3), the youth justice co-ordinator shall consider whether a family group conference is necessary for the purpose of considering whether the young person should be required to make reparation for any offence.
Section 248: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 34 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 248(1)(a)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 248(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 248(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 248(1)(b): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
248A Chief executive to appoint youth advocate to represent child or young person if offence punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
an offence referred to in section 245(1) is an offence punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more; and
(b)
a youth justice co-ordinator is required to convene a family group conference because they have received a notification under section 247(b) relating to that offence.
(2)
Before the family group conference is convened, the chief executive must appoint a youth advocate to represent the child or young person at the family group conference unless the chief executive is satisfied that legal representation has been arranged (or is to be arranged) for the child or young person in relation to the family group conference.
(2A)
If an arrangement described in subsection (2) ceases (or fails to come into being), the chief executive must appoint a youth advocate to represent the child or young person at the family group conference.
(3)
The appointment of (including any eligibility criteria that will apply) and payment of a youth advocate must be made in accordance with any regulations made under section 447(1)(db).
(4)
Section 324(1) and (3)(b) applies to a youth advocate appointed under this section with any necessary modifications.
Section 248A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 108 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 248A(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 35(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 248A(2): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 35(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 248A(2A): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 35(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
249 Time limits for convening of family group conferences
(1)
Every family group conference to which section 247(a) applies shall be convened not later than 21 days after the date on which the youth justice co-ordinator received the report in relation to which the family group conference is required to be held.
(2)
Every family group conference to which paragraph (b) of section 247 applies shall be convened not later than 21 days after the date on which the notification referred to in that paragraph is received by the youth justice co-ordinator.
(3)
Every family group conference to which section 247(c) applies shall be convened not later than 7 days after the date on which the court made the order under section 238(1)(d), (e), or (f) for the detention of the young person pending the determination of the charge.
(4)
Every family group conference to which section 247(d) applies shall be convened,—
(a)
where the young person in respect of whom that conference is to be held is detained in custody pursuant to an order under section 238(1)(d), (e), or (f), not later than 7 days after the date of the making of that order; or
(b)
in any other case, not later than 14 days after the date on which the direction requiring that conference to be held was given.
(5)
Every family group conference to which section 247(e) applies shall be convened not later than 14 days after the date on which the court finds that the charge against the young person is proved.
(6)
Unless there are special reasons why a longer period is required,—
(a)
every family group conference to which subsection (3) or subsection (4) applies shall be completed within 7 days after it is convened:
(b)
every other family group conference shall be completed within 1 month after it is convened.
(7)
Subsection (6) is subject to section 247A(4).
Section 249(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 8(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 249(4)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 8(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 249(6): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 249(7): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 8(3) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
250 Consultation on convening of family group conference
(1)
Every youth justice co-ordinator shall, before convening a family group conference pursuant to this Part in respect of a child or young person, make all reasonable endeavours to consult with the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group in relation to—
(a)
the date on which, and the time and place at which, the conference is to be held; and
(b)
the persons who should attend the conference; and
(c)
the procedure to be adopted at the conference,—
and, subject to subsection (2) and to sections 249 and 251, shall, so far as it is practicable and consistent with the principles of this Act, give effect to the wishes of the child’s or young person’s family, whanau, or family group in relation to those matters.
(2)
The youth justice co-ordinator shall also make all reasonable endeavours to consult with—
(a)
any victim of the offence or alleged offence to which the conference relates; and
(b)
either,—
(i)
in the case of a conference required to be convened under section 18(3), the applicant or intended applicant for a care or protection order in relation to the child to whom the conference relates; or
(ii)
in the case of any other proceedings or proposed proceedings for the offence or alleged offence to which the conference relates, the prosecutor of, or the person intending to commence those proceedings—
in relation to the date on which, and the time and place at which, the conference is to be held, and, in convening the conference, shall take into account, in relation to those matters, the views of the person or persons consulted.
Section 250: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 36 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 250(2)(b)(i): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 109 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 250(2)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
251 Persons entitled to attend family group conference
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), the following persons are entitled to attend a family group conference convened under this Part:
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the conference is held:
(b)
every person who is—
(i)
a parent or guardian of, or a person having the care of, that child or young person; or
(ii)
a member of the family, whanau, or family group of that child or young person:
(c)
the youth justice co-ordinator who is convening the conference, or any youth justice co-ordinator who is acting for that person:
(d)
the prosecutor or the person intending to commence the proceedings for the offence or alleged offence to which the conference relates, or a representative of that person:
(e)
if the prosecutor or the person intending to commence those proceedings is not an enforcement officer acting in that capacity, a representative of the appropriate enforcement agency:
(f)
any victim of the offence or alleged offence to which the conference relates, or a representative of that victim:
(g)
any barrister or solicitor or youth advocate or lay advocate representing the child or young person:
(h)
the chief executive, in any case where—
(i)
the chief executive is a guardian of the child or young person; or
(ii)
the chief executive has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person under the Care of Children Act 2004, or is entitled to custody of the child or young person under an order or agreement made under Part 2 of this Act; or
(iii)
the chief executive is required, pursuant to an order made under section 91, to provide support to the child or young person; or
(iv)
the young person is under the supervision of the chief executive pursuant to an order made under section 283(k) or section 307 or section 311:
(i)
a representative of an iwi social service, of a cultural social service, or of the director of a child and family support service, if that service or that director—
(i)
is a guardian of the child or young person; or
(ii)
has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person under the Care of Children Act 2004, or is entitled to custody of the child or young person under an order or agreement made under Part 2 of this Act:
(j)
if the young person is subject to a community-based sentence (as that term is defined in section 4(1) of the Sentencing Act 2002) or a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002,—
(i)
a probation officer:
(ii)
in the case of a young person who is subject to a sentence of community work (within the meaning of that Act), a representative of the agency on whose behalf the young person is required to perform any work for the purposes of the sentence:
(iii)
in the case of a young person who is subject to a sentence of supervision, intensive supervision, or a sentence of home detention (within the meaning of that Act), any person or agency, or a representative of any person or agency, that provides any course or conducts any programme that the young person is required to undertake as a condition of the sentence or to undergo under the sentence:
(k)
if the child or young person is under the guardianship of the court under the Care of Children Act 2004, any person appointed as agent for the court under that Act, or any representative of that person:
(l)
where the child or young person is subject to an order made under section 91, a representative of the person or organisation required, pursuant to that order to provide support to that child or young person:
(m)
where the young person is under the supervision of any person (not being the chief executive), or any organisation, pursuant to an order made under section 283(k) or section 307, that person or a representative of that organisation:
(n)
where a community work order made under section 283(l) is in force with respect to the young person, the chief executive or person or a representative of the organisation supervising the order:
(o)
any other person whose attendance at that conference is in accordance with the wishes of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person as expressed under section 250.
(1A)
A person referred to in subsection (1) who does not, for any reason, attend any meeting of a family group conference is not solely by reason of that non-attendance precluded from attending any subsequent meeting of that family group conference, or any meeting of the family group conference reconvened under section 270.
(2)
If, under subsection (1)(f), a victim of an offence or alleged offence attends a family group conference in person or, as the case may be, by a representative, that victim or representative may be accompanied by any reasonable number of persons (being members of the victim’s or representative’s family, whanau, or family group, or any other persons) who attend the conference for the purpose only of providing support to that victim or representative.
(3)
A person who attends a family group conference pursuant to subsection (2) shall not be a member of the conference.
(4)
No person who attends a family group conference pursuant to any of paragraphs (c) to (n) (other than paragraph (k)) of subsection (1) or pursuant to subsection (2) is entitled to be present during any discussions or deliberations held among the members of the family, whanau, or family group of the child or young person in respect of whom the conference is held, unless those members request that person to attend.
Section 251(1)(d): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 251(1)(e): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 251(1)(h): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 251(1)(h)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 251(1)(h)(ii): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 251(1)(h)(iii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 251(1)(h)(iv): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 251(1)(i): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 251(1)(j): replaced, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 251(1)(k): replaced, on 3 June 1998, by section 8 of the Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48).
Section 251(1)(k): amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 251(1)(m): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 251(1)(n): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 251(1A): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 251(2): replaced, on 6 December 2014, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 251(3): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 37 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 251(4): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 37 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
252 Child or young person in custody to be permitted to attend family group conference
(1)
Any child or young person who is entitled to attend a family group conference pursuant to section 251(1)(a) and who is detained in the custody of the chief executive or the Police or in any prison shall be permitted to attend that conference, unless it is impracticable for the child or young person so to attend.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) entitles any child or young person to whom this section applies to attend a family group conference otherwise than subject to such reasonable conditions as may be necessary to prevent the child or young person from absconding while the child or young person is attending that conference.
(3)
Where a child or young person to whom this section applies is entitled to attend a family group conference and wishes to do so, the person having the custody of the child or young person shall, without further authority than this section, cause that child or young person to be taken to the place where that conference is to be held for the purpose of attending the conference.
Section 252(1): amended, on 1 June 2005, by section 206 of the Corrections Act 2004 (2004 No 50).
Section 252(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
253 Notification of convening of family group conference
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), every youth justice co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that notice of the date on which, and the time and place at which, the conference is to be held is given to every person who is entitled to attend that conference.
(2)
No notice is required to be given pursuant to subsection (1) to any person whose whereabouts cannot, after reasonable enquiries, be ascertained.
(3)
Every notice required by subsection (1) shall be given a reasonable time before the conference is to be held.
(4)
Failure to notify any person in accordance with this section shall not affect the validity of the proceedings of a family group conference unless it is shown that the failure is likely to have materially affected the outcome of that conference.
254 Youth justice co-ordinator to ascertain views of persons unable to attend family group conference
(1)
Every youth justice co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference shall take all reasonable steps to ascertain the views of any person who is entitled to attend the conference but who has notified the youth justice co-ordinator that they are unable, for any reason, to do so.
(2)
Where, in respect of any family group conference, a youth justice co-ordinator ascertains the views of any person pursuant to subsection (1), that co-ordinator shall ensure that those views are made known at that conference.
Section 254(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
255 Youth justice co-ordinator must ensure that relevant information and advice made available to family group conference
(1)
Every youth justice co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference must take all reasonable steps to ensure that all information and advice the co-ordinator considers is required by the conference to carry out its functions (including information and advice relating to the health and education needs of every child or young person in respect of whom the conference is convened) is made available to the conference.
(2)
If it is appropriate for any person to attend a family group conference for the purpose of conveying to that conference any information or advice required by that conference to carry out its functions, that person may attend that conference for that purpose, but may otherwise attend the conference only with the agreement of the conference.
(3)
Subsection (2) is subject to section 251.
Section 255: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
256 Procedure at family group conference
(1)
Subject to this Part, a family group conference may regulate its procedure in such manner as it thinks fit.
(2)
Subject to sections 5(1)(b)(v) and 249(6), a family group conference may from time to time be adjourned to a time and place determined by the conference.
Section 256(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 110 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
257 Department to provide administrative services to family group conferences
The department shall provide such administrative services as may be necessary to enable a family group conference to discharge its functions.
258 Functions of family group conference
(1)
A family group conference convened under section 247 shall have such of the following functions as are appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case:
(a)
where the conference is convened under paragraph (a) of that section,—
(i)
to consider, in relation to the child in respect of whom the conference was convened, such matters relating to the care or protection or well-being of that child as the conference thinks fit; and
(ii)
to make such decisions or recommendations, and to formulate such plans, in relation to that child as the conference considers necessary or desirable, having regard to the principles set out in sections 4A(1), 5, and 13:
(b)
where the conference is convened in relation to an alleged offence in respect of which proceedings have not been commenced under this Part, to consider whether the young person should be prosecuted for that offence or whether the matter can be dealt with in some other way, and to recommend to the relevant enforcement agency accordingly:
(ba)
if the conference is convened under section 247(b) or (d) in relation to an offence alleged to have been committed by a child, to consider,—
(i)
if the conference is convened under section 247(b), whether the public interest requires that criminal proceedings should be instituted against the child in accordance with section 272(1)(b) or (c) or, if the conference is convened under section 247(d), whether the public interest requires that criminal proceedings instituted against the child should be continued in accordance with Part 4; and
(ii)
whether the child is in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e) and, if so, whether the public interest requires that instead of criminal proceedings being instituted or continued that the matter should be dealt with under Part 2, whether by way of an application for a care or protection order on that ground made in respect of that child, or in some other way:
(c)
where the young person in respect of whom the conference is convened is detained in the custody of the chief executive or the Police pending the determination of a charge, to make a recommendation to the court in relation to the custody of the young person pending that determination:
(d)
where the conference is convened in relation to an offence in respect of which proceedings have been commenced under this Part, to consider whether the offence alleged to have been committed by that young person should be dealt with by the court or whether the matter can be dealt with in some other way, and to recommend to the court accordingly:
(e)
where the charge against the young person is admitted or proved, to consider how the young person should be dealt with for that offence, and to recommend to the court accordingly.
(2)
If a family group conference is convened under section 247(a), (b), (d), or (e), it must, when considering whether the matter can be dealt with in some other way under subsection (1)(b) or (d), consider what restorative justice actions could be undertaken.
(3)
The family group conference must, when carrying out its functions, consider what reasonable and practical measures or assistance could be taken or provided to support the child or young person—
(a)
with the implementation of a plan; or
(b)
in complying with an order made or that may be made by the Youth Court.
Section 258(1)(a)(i): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 36(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 258(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 36(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 258(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 111(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 258(1)(ba): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 258(1)(ba)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 111(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 258(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 258(2): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 111(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 258(3): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 111(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
259 Family group conference to ascertain whether child or young person admits offence
(1)
Every family group conference convened under this Part (other than a family group conference convened under paragraph (c) or paragraph (e) of section 247) shall seek to ascertain whether the child or young person in respect of whom the conference is held admits any offence alleged to have been committed by that child or young person.
(2)
Where the child or young person does not admit the offence, or the family group conference is unable to ascertain whether the child or young person admits the offence, the conference shall not make or formulate any decision, recommendation, or plan if that decision, recommendation, or plan cannot be made or formulated without assuming that the child or young person committed the offence.
259A Family group conference must consider attendance at parenting education, mentoring, and alcohol or drug rehabilitation programmes
Every family group conference convened under this Part must, in complying with section 208(fa), consider—
(a)
whether the young person should be required to attend all or any of the following:
(i)
a parenting education programme:
(ii)
a mentoring programme:
(iii)
an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme; and
(b)
whether a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the young person should be required to attend a parenting education programme.
Section 259A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
260 Family group conference may make decisions and recommendations and formulate plans
(1)
Subject to section 259(2), a family group conference convened under this Part may make such decisions and recommendations and formulate such plans as it considers necessary or desirable in relation to the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened.
(2)
Except as provided in section 258(1)(a)(ii), in making such decisions and recommendations and formulating such plans, the conference shall have regard to the principles set out in section 208.
(3)
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a family group conference may—
(a)
recommend that any proceedings commenced against the child or young person for any offence should proceed or be discontinued:
(b)
recommend that a formal Police caution should be given to the child or young person:
(ba)
recommend that a restorative justice action or actions be undertaken:
(c)
recommend that an application for a care or protection order should be made in respect of the child:
(d)
recommend appropriate penalties that might be imposed on the young person:
(e)
recommend that the child or young person make reparation to any victim of the offence.
Section 260(3)(ba): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 112(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 260(3)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 112(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
261 Family group conference may make decisions, recommendations, and plans relating to care or protection or well-being of child or young person
(1)
If a family group conference convened under this Part considers matters relating to the care or protection or well-being of a child or young person for whom the conference is held, the family group conference may, if it has received information and advice on care or protection matters under section 255(1), make or formulate the decisions, recommendations, and plans that it considers necessary or desirable in relation to the care or protection or well-being of the child or young person.
(2)
Every such decision, recommendation, or plan shall be deemed to have been made or formulated pursuant to section 29, and the provisions of sections 29A to 38 shall apply, so far as applicable and with all necessary modifications, with respect to the decision, recommendation, or plan.
Section 261 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 37(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 261(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 37(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 261(2): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 32 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
262 Youth justice co-ordinator to make record of decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
Every youth justice co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference shall cause to be made a written record of the details of the decisions and recommendations made, and the plans formulated, by that conference pursuant to section 260 or section 261.
263 Youth justice co-ordinator to seek agreement to decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
(1)
Where a family group conference makes any decision or recommendation, or formulates any plan, pursuant to section 260 or subsection (4), the youth justice co-ordinator who convened that conference shall—
(a)
where the conference was convened under section 247(a) on the basis of a report from an enforcement officer,—
(i)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to that enforcement officer (or any person acting for that enforcement officer), and to every person who will be directly involved in the implementation of the decision, recommendation, or plan; and
(ii)
seek the agreement of that enforcement officer (or any person acting for that enforcement officer), and of every other person to whom that decision, recommendation, or plan is communicated pursuant to subparagraph (i), to that decision, recommendation, or plan:
(b)
where the conference was convened under section 247(b) or (d) or (e),—
(i)
communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to the prosecutor or the person intending to commence the proceedings for the offence or alleged offence to which the conference relates (or to any person acting for that person), and to every person who will be directly involved in the implementation of the decision, recommendation, or plan; and
(ii)
seek the agreement of that person, and of every other person to whom that decision, recommendation, or plan is communicated pursuant to subparagraph (i), to that decision, recommendation, or plan:
(c)
where the conference was convened under section 247(c), communicate that decision, recommendation, or plan to the court.
(2)
Where, pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or paragraph (b)(i) of subsection (1), a youth justice co-ordinator meets with any person for the purpose of communicating to that person any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the youth justice co-ordinator may be accompanied by a person nominated by that family group conference.
(3)
Where a youth justice co-ordinator is unable to secure agreement, under subsection (1), to a decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the youth justice co-ordinator may reconvene that conference for the purpose of enabling that conference to reconsider that decision, recommendation, or plan.
(4)
Any family group conference reconvened under subsection (3) may confirm, rescind, or modify its previous decision, recommendation, or plan, or rescind its previous decision, recommendation, or plan and make or formulate a new decision, recommendation, or plan.
(5)
Any decision, recommendation, or plan confirmed or modified under subsection (4), and any new decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated under that subsection, shall be deemed to have been made or formulated pursuant to section 260.
Section 263(1)(b)(i): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
264 Procedure where no agreement possible
(1)
Where—
(a)
the members of a family group conference are unable to agree on what decisions, recommendations, or plans should be made in relation to the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened; or
(b)
a youth justice co-ordinator is unable to secure agreement under section 263 to the decisions, recommendations, and plans made or formulated by a family group conference,—
the youth justice co-ordinator who convened the conference shall—
(c)
adjourn the proceedings of the family group conference; and
(d)
where the conference was convened under section 247(a) or (b), report the matter to the appropriate enforcement agency; and
(e)
where the conference was convened under section 247(d) or (e), report the matter to the court.
(2)
Where a youth justice co-ordinator makes a report under subsection (1)(d) to an enforcement agency, any enforcement officer may take such action under this Act as that officer considers appropriate.
265 Records of decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference to be made available to interested persons
(1)
Every youth justice co-ordinator who convenes a family group conference shall ensure that a copy of every record made pursuant to section 262 in relation to that conference is given or sent to—
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the conference was convened; and
(b)
every person who is a parent or guardian of that child or young person or has the care of that child or young person; and
(c)
any barrister or solicitor, youth advocate, or lay advocate representing the child or young person; and
(d)
the prosecutor or the person intending to commence the proceedings for the offence or alleged offence in respect of which the conference was held; and
(e)
if the prosecutor or the person intending to commence those proceedings is not an enforcement officer acting in that capacity, the appropriate enforcement agency; and
(f)
any victim of the offence or alleged offence in respect of which the conference was held; and
(g)
any other person who is or will be directly affected by any decision, recommendation, or plan detailed in that record; and
(h)
where there is an appropriate iwi social service or cultural social service with respect to the child or young person, that social service.
(2)
Where the child or young person is the subject of proceedings under this Part or Part 2, a copy of the record made pursuant to section 262 shall be made available to the court that is hearing those proceedings.
Section 265(1)(d): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 265(1)(e): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 265(1)(h): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
266 Department to maintain records of proceedings of family group conferences
(1)
Every written record made pursuant to section 262 in relation to a family group conference shall be kept at the office of the department that is nearest to where the conference is held.
(2)
The following persons shall have access to any such record:
(a)
any person who is required, by section 265, to be sent a copy of that record:
(b)
any youth justice co-ordinator:
(c)
the chief executive:
(d)
any other person who, in the opinion of a youth justice co-ordinator, has a genuine and proper interest in the matter.
(3)
Nothing in this section limits or affects the Official Information Act 1982.
Section 266(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 266(2)(c): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
267 Enforcement agencies to comply with decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
Where—
(a)
any decision, recommendation, or plan is made or formulated by a family group conference under section 260; and
(b)
agreement to that decision, recommendation, or plan has been secured under section 263; and
(c)
that decision, recommendation, or plan relates to any offence alleged or proved to have been committed by the young person in respect of whom that conference was held; and
(d)
the implementation of that decision, recommendation, or plan involves any action on the part of any enforcement agency,—
unless the enforcement agency considers that it is impracticable, unreasonable, or clearly inconsistent with the principles set out in sections 5 and 208, it is the duty of that agency to give effect to that decision, recommendation, or plan by the taking of such action and steps as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case.
Section 267: amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 33 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
268 Chief executive to give effect to decisions, recommendations, and plans of family group conference
(1)
Where—
(a)
any decision, recommendation, or plan is made or formulated by a family group conference under section 260; and
(b)
the implementation of that decision, recommendation, or plan involves any action on the part of the chief executive,—
the chief executive shall consider that decision, recommendation, or plan, and, unless the chief executive considers that it is impracticable, unreasonable, or clearly inconsistent with the principles set out in sections 5 and 208, shall give effect to that decision, recommendation, or plan by the provision of such services and resources, and the taking of such action and steps, as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case.
(2)
Where the chief executive considers that it is impracticable, unreasonable, or clearly inconsistent with the principles set out in sections 5 and 208 to give effect to any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference, the chief executive shall notify that fact to a youth justice co-ordinator, who may reconvene the family group conference for the purpose of considering whether to make or formulate any other decision, recommendation, or plan.
(3)
Sections 250 to 269 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every family group conference reconvened under subsection (2).
Section 268 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 268(1): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 34(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 268(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 268(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 268(2): amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 34(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 268(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
269 Chief executive may provide financial assistance to enable decisions, etc, of family group conference to be carried out
The chief executive may, from time to time, make such grants or provide such financial assistance as may be necessary to give effect to any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to section 260.
Section 269 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 269: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
269A Chief executive to ascertain whether victims wish to be informed of progress in implementing decisions, recommendations, and plans
(1)
This section applies to any action or steps to be taken or completed by the child or young person in respect of whom a family group conference was convened—
(a)
under any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by the family group conference and to which agreement is obtained under section 263; and
(b)
by way of penalty or reparation for an offence.
(2)
The chief executive must take reasonable steps—
(a)
to ascertain whether the victim of the offence wishes to be notified of the child’s or young person’s progress in taking that action or completing those steps; and
(b)
if so, to ensure that the victim of the offence is notified from time to time of that progress.
(3)
The chief executive’s duty under subsection (2) must be performed by another person if that other person—
(a)
was nominated for the purpose by the family group conference; and
(b)
has agreed to perform that duty.
Section 269A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 13 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
270 Family group conference may reconvene to review its decisions, recommendations, and plans
(1)
Where any decision, recommendation, or plan is made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to this Part, a youth justice co-ordinator may from time to time, at that co-ordinator’s own motion or at the request of at least 2 members of that conference, reconvene that conference for the purpose of reviewing that decision, recommendation, or plan.
(1A)
However, for the purpose of reviewing a decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference under section 261, the youth justice co-ordinator who convened the conference—
(a)
must reconvene the conference if required to do so by the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service; and
(b)
may reconvene the conference at any time, at the co-ordinator’s own motion or at the request of at least 2 members of that conference.
(1B)
The chief executive may require a youth justice co-ordinator to reconvene a family group conference under subsection (1A)(a) only if the chief executive is required under section 34 to give effect to the decision, recommendation, or plan to be reviewed.
(1C)
An iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service may require a youth justice co-ordinator to reconvene a family group conference under subsection (1A)(a) only if the service is directly involved in the implementation of the decision, recommendation, or plan to be reviewed and has agreed to it under section 30.
(2)
Sections 250 to 269 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every family group conference reconvened under this section.
Section 270(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 270(1A)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 270(1B): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 270(1B): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 270(1C): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
271 Proceedings of family group conference privileged and not to be published
Sections 37 and 38 (which relate to privilege and the publication of the proceedings of a family group conference) shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every family group conference convened or reconvened under this Part.
Jurisdiction of Youth Court
Heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
272 Jurisdiction of Youth Court and children’s liability to be prosecuted for criminal offences
(1)
The following are the only 3 situations in which proceedings may lawfully be commenced under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 against a child alleged to have committed an offence:
(a)
where the child is of or over the age of 10 years, and the offence is murder or manslaughter:
(b)
where the child is aged 12 or 13 years, and the offence is one (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years:
(c)
where the child is aged 12 or 13 years and is a previous offender under subsection (1A) or (1B), and the offence is one (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for at least 10 years but less than 14 years.
(1A)
A child is a previous offender under this subsection for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) if—
(a)
an application is made to the Family Court for a care or protection order on the ground that the child has committed an offence or offences the number, nature, or magnitude of which is such as to give serious concern for the well-being of the child; and
(b)
on that application the Family Court, having found 1 or more of the offences alleged in the application (the earlier offences) to be proved in accordance with section 198(1)(a) and (b), either—
(i)
makes a care or protection order on that ground; or
(ii)
indicates clearly that, but for section 73 (on the child’s need for care or protection being able to be met by other means), it would have made a care or protection order on that ground; and
(c)
for 1 or more of the earlier offences the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 10 years.
(1B)
A child is a previous offender under this subsection for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) if—
(a)
the child has been convicted by the High Court of murder or manslaughter; or
(b)
the child, as a result of an election of jury trial made by the child in the Youth Court in accordance with section 66 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 or section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, has been convicted by the District Court or the High Court of 1 or more offences (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years; or
(c)
the child has been charged with, and the Youth Court has found proved before it the charge against the child for, 1 or more offences (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years.”
(2)
If a child of or over the age of 10 years is charged with murder or manslaughter, the provisions of this Act (other than sections 236, 238(1)(e), 239(2), 242(2), 276, 277, and 365(1)), and of any regulations made under this Act, apply accordingly as if that child were a young person.
(2A)
If a child aged 12 or 13 years is charged with an offence specified in subsection (1)(b) or (c) and proceedings under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 are commenced against the child for the offence,—
(a)
the child must be brought before the Youth Court to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and
(b)
the provisions of this Act, and of any regulations made under this Act, apply accordingly as if that child were a young person but subject to the modifications in section 272A.
(3)
Any young person charged with an offence other than—
(a)
murder; or
(b)
manslaughter; or
(baa)
if the young person is aged 17 years, an offence specified in Schedule 1A; or
(ba)
an infringement offence against the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013; or
(bb)
an infringement offence against the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020; or
(c)
a traffic offence that is an infringement offence; or
(d)
an infringement offence against the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 or the Summary Offences Act 1981, or section 239A of the Local Government Act 2002.
shall be brought before the Youth Court to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
(4)
If a young person is charged with murder or manslaughter, section 275 applies.
(4A)
If a young person aged 17 years is charged with an offence specified in Schedule 1A,—
(a)
sections 275, 276AA to 276AC, and 276A apply; and
(b)
sections 274 and 276 do not apply.
(5)
Notwithstanding subsection (3)(ba), (bb), (c), or (d), where a young person is charged with an infringement offence referred to in subsection (3)(ba) or an infringement offence against the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 referred to in subsection (3)(bb) or a traffic offence that is an infringement offence referred to in subsection (3)(c) or an infringement offence referred to in subsection (3)(d), the Youth Court shall hear and determine that charge if—
(a)
the young person is charged with any other offence, being an offence in respect of which the young person is required to be brought before the Youth Court to be dealt with; and
(b)
both offences arise out of the same event or series of events; and
(c)
the court considers—
(i)
that it is desirable that the charges be heard together; or
(ii)
that the charges can be conveniently heard together.
(6)
Subsection (3)(baa) is subject to section 277.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 25(2)–(4); 1977 No 126 s 5
Section 272 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272 heading: amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 14(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272(1): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 14(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 14(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272(1A)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(1A)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(1A)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(1A)(b)(i): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 38 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 272(1B): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 14(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272(1B)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(1B)(b): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(1A)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(1B)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(2): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(2A): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 14(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272(2A): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(2A)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(3)(baa): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(3)(ba): inserted, on 18 July 2013, by section 109(2) of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 (2013 No 53).
Section 272(3)(bb): inserted, on 13 May 2020, by section 41(1) of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 (2020 No 12).
Section 272(3)(c): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(3)(d): inserted, on 18 December 2013, by section 416(2) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (2012 No 120).
Section 272(4): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(4A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 113(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 272(4A)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 9(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 272(5): amended, on 13 May 2020, by section 41(2) of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 (2020 No 12).
Section 272(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(5): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272(5)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272(6): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 9(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
272A Modifications and procedure for child aged 12 or 13 years charged with offence in section 272(1)(b) or (c)
(1)
The modifications referred to in section 272(2A)(b) in respect of a child aged 12 or 13 years charged with an offence specified in section 272(1)(b) or (c) are as follows:
(a)
sections 236, 238(1)(e), 239(2), 242(2), and 365(1) (on Police custody and placements in residences) do not, despite those sections referring to a young person and section 272(2A)(b), extend or apply to the child as if the child were a young person; and
(b)
sections 276(1)(a) and 277 do not extend or apply to the child as if the child were a young person; and
(c)
section 282(1) applies as if it empowers the Youth Court to discharge a charge even if the offence is a category 4 offence; and
(d)
a reference in this Act or regulations under it to the charge against the child being proved before the Youth Court must be treated as including a requirement that the Youth Court is satisfied that the child knew either—
(i)
that the act or omission constituting the offence charged was wrong; or
(ii)
that it was contrary to law.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed](4)
[Repealed](5)
[Repealed](6)
[Repealed]Section 272A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 15 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 272A(1)(b): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272A(1)(c): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(1)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 272A(2): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(3): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(4): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(5): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 272A(6): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
273 Manner of dealing with offences (other than murder, manslaughter, or offence specified in Schedule 1A)
(1)
This section applies if a young person is charged with an offence other than—
(a)
murder or manslaughter; or
(b)
in the case of a young person who is aged 17 years,—
(i)
murder or manslaughter; or
(ii)
an offence specified in Schedule 1A.
(2)
The Youth Court must hear and determine the charge unless—
(a)
the offence is a category 3 or 4 offence and the young person elects trial by jury; or
(b)
the court discharges the charge under section 282; or
(c)
the charge is removed out of the Youth Court under section 276AB(1) or 277.
(3)
Subsection (2) is subject to section 272.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 34(1)
Section 273: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 273 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 39(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 273(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 39(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 273(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 273(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
274 Young person may elect trial by jury in certain cases
(1)
If a young person is charged with a category 3 or 4 offence, other than murder or manslaughter, the young person may elect to be tried by a jury for that offence.
(2)
The young person’s election must be made and dealt with under section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, which applies with all necessary modifications.
Section 274: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
275 Manner of dealing with offence of murder or manslaughter, or Schedule 1A offence, or where jury trial to be held
(1)
This section applies if a young person—
(a)
is charged with murder or manslaughter; or
(b)
is charged with a category 3 or 4 offence, other than murder or manslaughter, and elects to be tried by a jury; or
(ba)
is aged 17 years and is charged with an offence specified in Schedule 1A; or
(c)
is to have a jury trial and be tried with a person with whom the young person is jointly charged, in accordance with section 277.
(2)
All applicable pre-trial processes must take place before the Youth Court, up to and including,—
(a)
subject to paragraphs (aa) and (ab), in the case of a charge relating to a category 3 offence or category 4 offence (other than murder or manslaughter), transferring the proceeding to the trial court after an adjournment for trial callover in accordance with section 57(3)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(aa)
in the case of a young person aged 17 years charged with a category 3 offence specified in Schedule 1A, on adjournment of the proceeding after the young person’s first appearance, transferring the proceeding to the District Court to be dealt with in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(ab)
in the case of a young person aged 17 years charged with a category 4 offence specified in Schedule 1A, transferring the proceeding to the High Court in accordance with section 36(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(b)
in the case of a charge of murder or manslaughter, transferring the proceeding to the High Court in accordance with section 36(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011.
(2A)
However, if a young person aged 17 years charged with a Schedule 1A offence is jointly charged with a child or young person (other than a young person aged 17 years charged with a Schedule 1A offence), the proceeding must not be transferred to the District Court or the High Court unless—
(a)
1 or more defendants elect jury trial and the co-defendants are to be tried together, in which case the proceeding must be transferred only after an adjournment for trial callover in accordance with subsection (2)(a); or
(b)
the defendants are to be tried separately, in which case the proceeding against the young person aged 17 years charged with a Schedule 1A offence must be transferred immediately following the determination that the defendants are to be tried separately, but after that young person’s first appearance, in accordance with subsection (2)(aa) or (ab); or
(c)
1 or more co-defendants are charged with murder or manslaughter, in which case subsection (2)(b) applies.
(3)
For the purposes of the pre-trial processes referred to in subsection (2),—
(a)
the Youth Court has all the powers of the District Court; and
(b)
the Youth Court must be presided over by a Youth Court Judge, or, in the absence of a Youth Court Judge, by a District Court Judge.
(4)
In this section, applicable pre-trial processes include all applicable processes under subparts 1 to 4 of Part 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, any other provisions of that Act referred to in subsection (5); and those processes apply with the necessary modifications.
(5)
For the purpose of subsection (4), sections 60 to 62(1), 62(3) to 65, and 116 of that Act (which relate to sentence indications) apply despite Schedule 1 of this Act.
(6)
This section is subject to section 276.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 34(2)(a), (b)
Section 275: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 275 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(1)(ba): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(1)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 275(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2)(aa): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2)(ab): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 115(6) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 275(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 11 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 275(3)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
276 Child or young person may forgo right to jury trial and elect to have proceedings determined by Youth Court
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a child aged 12 or 13 years charged with an offence specified in section 272(1)(b) or (c) elects trial by jury; or
(b)
a young person charged with a category 3 or 4 offence, other than murder or manslaughter, elects trial by jury.
(2)
The child or young person may, without leave of the court, withdraw that election at any time before the proceeding is transferred to the trial court after an adjournment for trial callover in accordance with section 57(3)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 and, if the child or young person does so, the proceedings continue in the Youth Court as if the child or young person had not made that election.
(3)
If the Youth Court proposes to adjourn the proceeding for trial callover, or the child or young person at any time before the proceeding is adjourned for trial callover indicates to the court that they wish to plead guilty to the offence, the Youth Court must give that child or young person the opportunity of forgoing the right to trial by jury and of electing to have the charge heard and determined in the Youth Court by a Youth Court Judge.
(4)
If a young person elects to have the charge heard and determined in the Youth Court by a Youth Court Judge, the Youth Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the charge and otherwise deal with the young person in accordance with this Act.
(5)
If a child elects to have the charge heard and determined in the Youth Court by a Youth Court Judge, the Youth Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the charge and otherwise deal with the child in accordance with this Act as if the child were a young person (but subject to section 272A(1)(a), (c), and (d)).
Section 276: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 276(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 276(3): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 276(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 276(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 276(5): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 276(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
276AA Youth Court determination whether charge related to charge for Schedule 1A offence
(1)
This section applies to a young person aged 17 years who is charged with a Schedule 1A offence and a non-Schedule 1A offence.
(2)
The prosecutor may seek a determination from the Youth Court that the charge for the non-Schedule 1A offence is related to the charge for the Schedule 1A offence.
(3)
If the prosecutor intends to seek a determination, the prosecutor must do so as soon as practicable after the later of the charges is filed.
(4)
If the prosecutor seeks a determination under subsection (2), the Youth Court must determine the matter.
(5)
In making a determination, the court may take into consideration—
(a)
any agreement of the parties:
(b)
written or oral submissions of the parties.
(6)
For the purpose of this section,—
(a)
a charge (B) is related to another charge (A) where the offending for which charge B is filed arises from the same incident or series of incidents as the offending for which charge A is filed; and
(b)
a series of incidents is determined by—
(i)
the time at which they occurred:
(ii)
the overall nature of the alleged offending:
(iii)
any other relationship between the alleged offending that the court considers relevant.
Section 276AA: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 12 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
276AB Transfer of related charge to District Court or High Court
(1)
If the Youth Court determines under section 276AA(4) that the charge for the non-Schedule 1A offence is a related charge, the related charge must be transferred to the District Court or the High Court to be dealt with together with the charge for the Schedule 1A offence.
(2)
A reference in the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 to a charge being heard together with another charge under section 138 of that Act includes a related charge that is transferred.
(3)
Section 138(1) to (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 does not apply to the hearing of a charge for a Schedule 1A offence together with a charge for a non-Schedule 1A offence.
(4)
Subsection (1) is subject to sections 276AC and 277.
Section 276AB: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 12 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
276AC Hearing of related charge when guilty plea to charge for Schedule 1A offence
(1)
This section applies to a charge for a non-Schedule 1A offence that the Youth Court has determined under section 276AA(4) to be a related charge.
(2)
If the young person aged 17 years pleads guilty to the charge for the Schedule 1A offence, the related charge must be dealt with in the District Court or the High Court unless a court orders that it is in the interests of justice that the related charge be dealt with in the Youth Court.
(3)
An order under subsection (2) may be made—
(a)
by the Youth Court before the related charge is transferred to the District Court or the High Court; or
(b)
by the District Court or the High Court if the related charge has been transferred to either court.
Section 276AC: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 12 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
276A Transfer of proceeding back to Youth Court
(1)
This section applies if a proceeding has been transferred from the Youth Court to the District Court or the High Court under section 275 or 276AB(1) and—
(a)
the circumstances or reasons for the transfer of the proceeding no longer apply; and
(b)
the charge or charges are within the jurisdiction of the Youth Court.
(2)
The District Court or the High Court must transfer the proceeding back to the Youth Court to be dealt with in that court, unless the interests of justice require the proceeding to remain, and be dealt with, in either of those courts.
(3)
The transfer of the proceeding may occur at any time before sentencing.
(4)
For the purpose of subsection (1)(a), in relation to a proceeding for a related charge that is joined to a proceeding under section 276AB(1), the reason for the transfer of the proceeding for the related charge may no longer apply if, for example,—
(a)
the young person has been found not guilty of the Schedule 1A offence in the District Court or the High Court; or
(b)
the charge for the Schedule 1A offence is to be heard separately under section 138(4) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, is withdrawn under section 146 of that Act, or is dismissed under section 147 of that Act; or
(c)
the District Court or the High Court has made an order under section 276AC(2).
(5)
(6)
Although subsection (5) does not apply to section 281, the Youth Court may direct that a family group conference be convened under section 281B.
Section 276A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 116 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 276A(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 276A(3): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 276A(4): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 276A(5): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 276A(6): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 13(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
277 Provisions applicable where child, young person, or adult jointly charged
(1)
If a child or young person is charged with any offence jointly with any other person or persons (whether 1 or more young persons, adults, or children), this section applies.
(2)
If a child is jointly charged with any other person or persons, and that child is not charged with murder or manslaughter or does not elect jury trial, that child must be tried in the Youth Court along with any co-defendants who are also not to have a jury trial.
(3)
If a child is jointly charged with any other person or persons, and that child is to have a jury trial, that child must be tried in the same court as any co-defendants who are also to have a jury trial.
(4)
Subsection (5) applies if a young person is jointly charged with any 1 or more of—
(a)
an adult who is to have a jury trial; or
(b)
another young person who is to have a jury trial; or
(c)
a child who is to have a jury trial.
(5)
Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the young person must be tried with the person or persons with whom he or she is jointly charged and who are to have a jury trial, and by the same court that is to try those persons unless the Youth Court, in the interests of justice, orders otherwise.
(6)
Subject to subsections (2) and (3), if an adult is jointly charged with 1 or more children or young persons, the following provisions apply:
(a)
if any of the co-defendants is to have a jury trial, the adult must be tried with that person in the same court; and
(b)
if none of the co-defendants is to have a jury trial, and the adult either does not or is not eligible to elect to be tried by a jury, the adult must be tried with the co-defendants in the Youth Court, unless the Youth Court, in the interests of justice, orders otherwise.
(7)
If none of subsections (2), (3), (5), and (6) applies, the persons charged must be tried in the Youth Court by a Youth Court Judge.
(8)
In any proceedings to which this section applies, the powers of any Youth Court Judge in respect of any defendant who is not a child or young person are limited to such powers as are exercisable by the Youth Court Judge as a District Court Judge elsewhere than in the Youth Court.
(9)
If any defendant, not being a child or young person, is convicted in the Youth Court,—
(a)
any sentence imposed or order made must be one that could have been imposed or made if that defendant had been convicted following a trial in the District Court; and
(b)
that defendant must for all purposes, including section 184 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, be deemed to have been convicted in the District Court.
(10)
If an adult is tried with a child or young person in the Youth Court under subsection (6)(b) or (7), the following apply in respect of the adult, with the necessary modifications:
(a)
all applicable pre-trial processes under subparts 1 to 3 of Part 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(b)
sections 60 to 62(1), 62(3) to 65, and 116 of that Act (which relate to sentence indications).
(11)
This section is subject to sections 272A, 274, and 275.
(12)
For the purpose of this section,—
adult includes a person aged 17 years charged with a Schedule 1A offence
young person does not include a person aged 17 years charged with a Schedule 1A offence.
Section 277: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 277(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277(8): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277(9): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277(9)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277(9)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277(12): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 14 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
277A Place and level of trial court for jury trial
(1)
This section applies if a young person is to be tried by a jury.
(2)
If the offence with which the young person is charged is a category 4 offence, the trial must take place in the High Court at the place nearest to the Youth Court from which the proceedings are to be transferred.
(3)
If the offence with which the young person is charged is a category 3 offence,—
(a)
the level of trial court is the District Court, unless an order is made under section 68 or 70 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 that the trial be held in the High Court; and
(b)
the place of trial is,—
(i)
in the case of a District Court trial, the District Court nearest to the Youth Court that adjourned the proceeding for trial callover in accordance with section 57(3)(b) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 that has jurisdiction to conduct jury trials; or
(ii)
in the case of a High Court trial, the High Court at the place nearest to the Youth Court that dealt with the pre-trial processes in accordance with section 275(2).
(4)
This section is subject to—
(a)
any order made under section 72 of the District Court Act 2016 or section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(b)
section 139(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011; and
(c)
any regulations made under section 387 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 that prescribe a different place of trial.
Section 277A: inserted, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 277A(3)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 277A(4)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
278 Parent or guardian may be summoned to appear when young person charged with offence
(1)
Any Youth Court Judge or District Court Judge or Justice or Community Magistrate or Registrar (not being a constable) may, where a charging document is filed against a young person in respect of any offence, issue a summons to any parent, guardian, or person for the time being having the care of the young person, requiring that parent or guardian or person to appear before the Youth Court at a time to be named in the summons.
(2)
At the hearing of the proceedings in respect of the offence any such parent or guardian or other person may be examined in respect of any matter relating to the proceedings.
(3)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who, being required to appear before the Youth Court under this section, refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, so to appear.
(4)
In any case where a person does not appear in answer to a summons that has been served under this section, a Youth Court Judge or District Court Judge may direct the issue of a warrant to arrest that person and bring that person before the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 39
Section 278(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 278(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 278(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 278(1): amended, on 30 June 1998, by section 7 of the District Courts Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 76).
Section 278(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 278(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
279 Court to consider recommendations of family group conference
Where, in any proceedings under this Part in respect of any charging document filed against a young person for an offence, a family group conference has been held under section 247(b) or (d) in respect of that offence, the court shall, before hearing the charge, consider any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by the family group conference in relation to that offence.
Section 279: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
280 Court may refer case to care and protection co-ordinator to determine whether matter should be dealt with under Part 2
(1)
If, at any stage of the hearing of any proceedings under this Part in respect of a young person, it appears to the court that the young person may be in need of care or protection (as defined in section 14), the court may—
(a)
refer the matter to a care and protection co-ordinator under section 19(1)(b); and
(b)
adjourn the proceedings pending the outcome of that reference, and if an application for a care or protection order is made in respect of the young person, may adjourn the proceedings until that application is determined.
(2)
Where any proceedings in respect of any charging document filed against a young person for an offence are adjourned pursuant to subsection (1), the court may, at any time, discharge the charge under section 282.
Section 280(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 117 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
280A Court may refer case to person who commenced proceeding to be dealt with as child offending care or protection proceeding under Part 2
(1)
This section applies to proceedings under this Part in respect of a child aged 12 or 13 years who is charged with an offence of the kind specified in section 272(1)(b) or (c) if, at any stage of the proceedings before an order is made under section 282 or 283, it appears to the court that—
(a)
the child may be in need of care or protection on the ground specified in section 14(1)(e); and
(b)
the making of an application for a care or protection order on that ground in respect of the child and the offence would serve the public interest better than the continuation of the proceedings under this Part.
(2)
The court—
(a)
may refer the matter to the person who commenced the proceedings to consider whether to make an application for a care or protection order on that ground in respect of the child and the offence or to deal with the matter in some other way; and
(b)
must, on making a referral under paragraph (a), adjourn the proceedings pending the outcome of that referral.
(3)
If the proceedings are in respect of a charging document filed against the child for an offence, and are adjourned under subsection (2),—
(a)
the court may, at any time, discharge the charge under section 282; but
(b)
if not discharged earlier, the charge is deemed to be discharged if, and when, an application for a care or protection order on that ground in respect of the child and the offence first comes before a Family Court Judge.
(4)
A person to whom a matter in respect of a child is referred under subsection (2) must—
(a)
consider whether to make an application for a care or protection order on that ground in respect of the child and offence or to deal with the matter in some other way; and
(b)
give effect to the decision under paragraph (a), and ensure the Youth Court is advised promptly of the outcome of the referral.
(5)
Before referring a matter to the person who commenced the proceedings under subsection (2), the court may—
(a)
direct a youth justice co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering whether the making of an application for a care or protection order on that ground in respect of the child and the offence would serve the public interest better than the continuation of the proceedings under this Part (in which case sections 250 to 259 apply to the conference with all necessary modifications); and
(b)
adjourn the proceedings until the conference has been held.
(6)
Nothing in this section limits or affects the application to a child, in accordance with section 272(2A), of section 280, insofar as the child may be in need of care or protection on a ground other than that specified in section 14(1)(e).
Section 280A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 20 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 280A heading: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 118(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280A(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 118(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280A(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(3)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 118(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280A(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(4)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 118(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280A(4)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 280A(5): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 280A(5)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 118(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Disposal of proceedings in Youth Court
281 Court not to make orders unless family group conference held
(1)
Subject to section 248, where a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, the court shall not make any order under section 282 or section 283 unless a family group conference has had an opportunity to consider ways in which the court might deal with the young person in relation to the charge.
(2)
The Youth Court shall not—
(a)
if a young person appears before the court on a summons issued under section 295, exercise any of the powers conferred on it by section 295(2); or
(b)
if the court under section 296B cancels a mentoring programme order, an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order, a supervision order, a community work order, a supervision with activity order, or an intensive supervision order under section 296G, substitute any other order in place of that order; or
(c)
if the court under section 316 cancels a supervision with residence order, substitute any other order in place of that order,—
(d)
[Repealed]unless a family group conference has first been convened to consider the matter, and for that purpose the court shall direct a youth justice co-ordinator to convene a family group conference in relation to the matter not later than 14 days after the date on which that direction is given.
(3)
The provisions of sections 250 to 269 (other than section 259) shall apply, so far as applicable and with all necessary modifications, to every family group conference directed to be convened pursuant to subsection (2).
Section 281(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 281(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 281(2)(a): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 281(2)(b): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 281(2)(c): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 281(2)(d): repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 21 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
281A Court to consider whether family group conference should be held
Where, in respect of any offence, the holding of a family group conference has been waived pursuant to section 248, the court shall,—
(a)
before hearing the charge for that offence; or
(b)
before making any order or exercising any power in any proceedings relating to or arising out of that offence, in any case where subsection (1) or subsection (2) of section 281 would otherwise require a family group conference to have been held in relation to the matter,—
as the case may be, consider whether or not a family group conference should nevertheless be held in relation to the matter.
Section 281A: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 38 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 281A(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
281B Court may direct holding of family group conference at any time
(1)
If, at any stage of the hearing of any proceedings under this Part, it appears to the court that it is necessary or desirable for a family group conference to be held in relation to any matter relating to the young person to whom the proceedings relate, the court may direct a youth justice co-ordinator to convene a family group conference for the purpose of considering such matters relating to the young person as the court directs, and may adjourn the proceedings until the conference has been held.
(2)
The provisions of sections 250 to 269 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to the convening of a family group conference for the purposes of this section.
Section 281B: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 38 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
282 Power of court to discharge charge
(1)
If a charging document is filed charging a young person with an offence in category 1, 2, or 3, the Youth Court, after an inquiry into the circumstances of the case, may discharge the charge.
(2)
A charge discharged under subsection (1) is deemed never to have been filed.
(3)
If it is satisfied that the charge against the young person is proved, the court may make an order under any of the provisions of section 283(e) to (j)—
(a)
when it discharges the charge; or
(b)
at any earlier time after it completes the inquiry referred to in subsection (1).
(4)
The court must not exercise the power in subsection (3)(b) unless section 281(1) is complied with.
Section 282: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 282(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
283 Hierarchy of court’s responses if charge against young person proved
The Youth Court before which a charge against a young person is proved may, subject to sections 284 to 290, make 1 or more of the following responses (grouped in levels of equal restrictiveness, the groups ranging from least restrictive to most restrictive):
Group 1 responses
(a)
discharge the young person from the proceedings without further order or penalty:
(b)
admonish the young person:
Group 2 responses
(c)
order that the young person come before the court, if called upon within 12 months after the order is made, so that the court may take further action under this section:
(d)
impose a fine that could have been imposed by the District Court if the young person were an adult and had been convicted of the offence following a trial in the District Court, and exercise any of the powers conferred on the District Court by sections 81 and 83 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (other than the power to impose a period of imprisonment in default of payment):
(e)
order the young person or, in the case of a young person who is under the age of 16 years, any parent or guardian of the young person to pay a sum towards the cost of the prosecution:
(f)
order the young person or, in the case of a young person who is under the age of 16 years, any parent or guardian of the young person to pay to the person who suffered the emotional harm or the loss of, or damage to, property such sum as it thinks fit by way of reparation if the court is satisfied that any person (other than the young person) suffered, through or by means of the offence, either or both of the following:
(i)
emotional harm:
(ii)
loss of, or damage to, property:
(g)
order the young person or, in the case of a young person who is under the age of 16 years, a parent or guardian of the young person to make restitution in accordance with section 377 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011:
(h)
make an order for the forfeiture of property to the Crown if the forfeiture of that property would have been obligatory or could have been ordered under an enactment applicable to the offence if the young person were an adult and had been convicted of that offence by the District Court:
(i)
make an order under section 293A (which relates to disqualification from driving):
(j)
make an order that could have been made by a court other than the Youth Court under section 128 or 129 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (which relate to confiscation of motor vehicles) if the young person were an adult and had been convicted of the offence in a court other than the Youth Court, and, if the court makes the order, the following sections of that Act apply (to the extent they are applicable and subject to any necessary modifications):
(i)
section 128 or 129 (as the case may be):
(ii)
sections 129EA, 130, 131 to 136, 137, and 138 to 142:
Group 3 responses
(ja)
make an order requiring the young person (if the young person is, or is soon to be, a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child), or a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the young person, or both, to attend, in a manner specified by the court, and for a specified period of not more than 6 months, a specified parenting education programme:
(jb)
make an order requiring the young person to attend, in a manner specified by the court, and for a specified period of not more than 12 months, a specified mentoring programme:
(jc)
make an order requiring the young person to attend, in a manner specified by the court, and for a specified period of not more than 12 months, a specified alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme:
Group 4 responses
(k)
make an order placing the young person under the supervision of the chief executive, or any person or organisation specified in the order, for a period not exceeding 6 months:
(l)
make a community work order under section 298:
Group 5 response
(m)
make a supervision with activity order under section 307:
Group 6 response
(n)
make a supervision with residence order under section 311:
Group 7 response
(o)
exercise the powers conferred by one of the following subparagraphs:
(i)
the court may order that the young person be brought before the District Court for sentence or decision, and may enter a conviction before doing so; and the Sentencing Act 2002 applies accordingly if—
(A)
the young person is of or over the age of 15 years; or
(B)
the young person is of or over the age of 14 years and under the age of 15 years and the charge proved against the young person is a charge in respect of a category 4 offence or category 3 offence for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years:
(ii)
the court may, in the case of a young person charged with a category 4 offence or an offence for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life and if the court considers that a sentence of imprisonment for life may be appropriate, order that the young person be brought before the High Court for sentence or decision and may enter a conviction before doing so; and the Sentencing Act 2002 applies accordingly if the young person is of or over the age of 14 years.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 36(1); 1977 No 126 s 10; 1983 No 129 s 8(1)
Section 283: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 23 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 283: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 283(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 283(d): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 283(g): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 283(h): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 283(j): replaced, on 1 August 2012, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 33).
Section 283(j): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 283(ja): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 283(o): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 283(o)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 283(o)(i)(B): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
284 Factors to be taken into account on sentencing
(1)
In deciding whether to make any order under section 283 in respect of any young person, the court shall have regard to the following matters:
(a)
the nature and circumstances of the offence proved to have been committed by the young person and the young person’s involvement in that offence:
(b)
the personal history, social circumstances, and personal characteristics of the young person, so far as those matters are relevant to the offence and any order that the court is empowered to make in respect of it:
(c)
the attitude of the young person towards the offence:
(d)
the response of the young person’s family, whanau, or family group to—
(i)
the causes underlying the young person’s offending, and the measures available for addressing those causes, so far as it is practicable to do so.
(ii)
the young person themselves as a result of that offending:
(e)
any measures taken or proposed to be taken by the young person, or the family, whanau, or family group of the young person, to make reparation or apologise to any victim of the offending:
(f)
the effect of the offence on any victim of the offence, and the need for reparation to be made to that victim:
(g)
any previous offence proved to have been committed by the young person (not being an offence in respect of which an order has been made under section 282 or section 35 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1974), any penalty imposed or order made in relation to that offence, and the effect on the young person of the penalty or order:
(h)
any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference:
(i)
the causes underlying the young person’s offending, and the measures available for addressing those causes, so far as it is practicable to do so.
(1A)
If the court is considering whether to transfer a proceeding to another court for sentence or decision under section 283(o), in addition to the factors in subsection (1), the court must consider and give greater weight to all of the following:
(a)
the seriousness of the offending:
(b)
the criminal history of the young person:
(c)
the interests of the victim:
(d)
the risk posed by the young person to other people.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under any of paragraphs (k) to (o) of section 283 merely because the court considers that the young person is in need of care or protection (as defined in section 14).
Section 284(1)(d)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 284(1)(i): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 24 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 284(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 119 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
285 Restrictions on power of court to make certain orders under section 283
(1)
The court shall not make an order under paragraph (c) of section 283 in any case where it makes an order under paragraph (k) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of that section.
(2)
The court shall not impose a fine under paragraph (d) of section 283 unless it is satisfied that the young person on whom the fine is imposed has the capacity to pay the fine within a period of 12 months from the date on which the fine is imposed.
(3)
No orders shall be made under paragraph (f) or paragraph (g) of section 283 against the chief executive or any other person who has been appointed to be a guardian of a young person under section 110.
(4)
Where the court exercises in respect of any young person the power conferred by paragraph (o) of section 283, it shall not exercise in respect of that young person any of its powers under paragraph (a) or paragraphs (c) to (n) of that section.
(5)
The court shall not make an order under paragraph (l) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of section 283 if that order would be concurrent with, or cumulative on,—
(a)
any other order made under any of those paragraphs; or
(b)
any community-based sentence (as that term is defined in section 4(1) of the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(ba)
any sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(c)
any sentence of imprisonment (as that term is so defined),—
unless that other order or that sentence will expire not later than 14 days after the date of the making of the first-mentioned order.
(6)
The court may make an order under section 283(o) (that the young person be brought before the District Court or the High Court for sentence or decision) despite section 289 if,—
(a)
but for subsection (5)(b), (ba), or (c), the court would have made an order under any of the following:
(i)
section 283(l) (community work order under section 298):
(ii)
section 283(m) (supervision with activity order under section 307):
(iii)
section 283(n) (supervision with residence order under section 311); and
(b)
the court considers that it would not be appropriate to make an order under any of paragraphs (a) to (k) of section 283 as an alternative to such an order; and
(c)
the order is made in respect of a young person—
(i)
who is of or over the age of 15 years; or
(ii)
who is of or over the age of 14 years and under the age of 15 years and against whom the charge proved is a category 4 offence or category 3 offence for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 36(1) proviso, (4); 1977 No 126 s 10(3)(a)
Section 285(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 285(5)(b): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 285(5)(ba): inserted, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 285(5)(c): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 285(6): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 25 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 285(6): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 285(6): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 285(6)(c)(ii): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
286 Person or organisation not to be required to supervise young person without consent
No order shall be made under paragraph (k) or paragraph (m) of section 283, or under section 296G, placing a young person under the supervision of any person (other than the chief executive), or any organisation, unless that person or organisation agrees to supervise that young person pursuant to that order.
Section 286: amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 26 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 286: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
286A Parenting education, mentoring, or alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order: general requirement for provider to have first agreed to provide programme concerned, and making of order subject to conditions
(1)
This section applies to an order if it is—
(a)
a parenting education programme order under section 283(ja); or
(b)
a mentoring programme order under section 283(jb); or
(c)
an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order under section 283(jc).
(2)
If the programme to be specified in an order to which this section applies is to be provided other than by the chief executive, that order may be made only if the provider of that programme has first agreed to provide that programme to the person to be required by the order to attend that programme.
(3)
An order to which this section applies may be made subject to any conditions the court thinks fit and specifies in the order.
Section 286A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 27 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
287 Reparation limited to direct loss
Any sum ordered to be paid pursuant to section 283(f) in respect of the loss of or damage to property shall be limited to the cost of replacement or (as the case may require) the cost of repair, and shall not include any loss or damage of a consequential nature.
Compare: 1985 No 120 s 22(5); 1987 No 168 s 4
288 Order in respect of parent or guardian or other person having care not to be made without first informing of proposal to make order and giving opportunity to make representations
No order may be made under section 283 in respect of a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a young person unless that parent or guardian or other person has been—
(a)
informed by the court of the proposal to make the order; and
(b)
given an opportunity to make representations to the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 36(5)
Section 288: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
289 Court must impose least restrictive outcome adequate in circumstances
(1)
A court making a response or a permitted combination of responses under section 283 (including, without limitation, under section 297(a) or (b)) must—
(a)
assess the restrictiveness of that outcome in accordance with the hierarchy set out in section 283; and
(b)
not impose that outcome unless satisfied that a less restrictive outcome would, in the circumstances and having regard to the principles in section 208 and factors in section 284, be clearly inadequate.
(2)
Subsection (1)(a) and (b) also apply to any outcome imposed by a court that on an application under section 296B(1)—
(a)
declares that a young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a requirement of an order to which section 296B applies; and
(b)
substitutes or otherwise makes under section 296B(3)(a), (b), or (c)—
(i)
any other order under section 283; or
(ii)
an intensive supervision order under section 296G (which for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) must be treated as if it were a group 5 response under section 283); or
(iii)
any order it is empowered to make under section 296E.
(3)
Subsection (1)(a) and (b) also apply to any outcome imposed by a court that on an application under section 316(1)—
(a)
cancels a supervision with residence order made under section 311 in respect of a young person who the court is satisfied has, at any time while that order is in force, absconded from the custody of the chief executive; and
(b)
substitutes under section 316(2)(b) any other order under section 283 that it could have made when the supervision with residence order was made.
Compare: 2002 No 9 s 8(g)
Section 289: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
290 Judge must record in writing reasons for supervision with residence or transfer order
A Judge exercising the jurisdiction of the court to make an order under section 283(n) or (o) must when making the order record in writing the Judge’s reasons for doing so.
Section 290: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 290: amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
290A Restriction on who may provide residential component of specified programme or activity
(1)
This section applies to a court considering whether to impose under section 307(1)(b) or 311(2) a condition that a young person undertake a specified programme or activity as a condition of—
(a)
a supervision with activity order under section 307; or
(b)
a supervision with residence order under section 311.
(2)
The court must not impose the condition unless the residential component of the specified programme or activity is to be provided by—
(a)
the chief executive; or
(b)
a body or organisation approved under section 396.
(3)
The residential component of a specified programme or activity means any component of the programme or activity that cannot be undertaken satisfactorily by a young person unless the young person resides—
(a)
where that component is provided; and
(b)
with, and under the control of, the provider.
Section 290A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 28 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 290A(3): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
291 Transfer of other charges to District Court or High Court for sentence
Where, in any proceedings before the Youth Court, the court makes an order under paragraph (o) of section 283 in respect of any charge proved against a young person, notwithstanding anything in section 290 the court may, at the same time, make an order under that paragraph in respect of any other charge proved against that young person in those proceedings and in respect of which the court is empowered to make an order under section 283.
Section 291 heading: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 291: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
292 Whole or part of fine may be awarded to victim of offence suffering physical or emotional harm
[Repealed]Section 292: repealed, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
293 Effect of order imposing fine or requiring payment of compensation or restitution or forfeiture of property
Every order or decision made under any of the provisions of paragraphs (d) to (h) of section 283 shall have effect as if made by the District Court and as if any fine imposed or such sum ordered to be paid had been adjudged to be paid by conviction, except that—
(a)
the enforcement of every such order or decision shall be the responsibility of the Youth Court and its officers; and
(b)
no young person shall be liable to imprisonment or a sentence of community detention or home detention for failing to comply with any such order or decision; and
(c)
no costs, expenses, or fees shall be payable in respect of the enforcement of any such order or decision.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 111(1)
Section 293: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293(b): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 293(b): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
293A Disqualification from driving
(1)
Where a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, and the offence or the circumstances in which it was committed are such that the District Court would, on entering a conviction for that offence,—
(a)
be empowered under section 124 of the Sentencing Act 2002 to make an order disqualifying the offender from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence; or
(b)
be required or empowered under the Land Transport Act 1998 to make an order disqualifying the offender from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence; or
(c)
be required to make an order under section 65 of the Land Transport Act 1998 requiring the offender to attend an Assessment Centre and disqualifying the person from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence,—
then the Youth Court may make such order (being an order of any of the kinds referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c)) as would have been obligatory or could have been ordered under any of those sections if the young person were an adult and had been convicted of the offence in a court other than the Youth Court.
(2)
Where the Youth Court makes an order pursuant to subsection (1)(a), the provisions of sections 124 to 126 of the Sentencing Act 2002 shall apply accordingly.
(3)
Subject to subsection (5), where the Youth Court makes an order pursuant to subsection (1)(b) or (c), Parts 5 to 7 of the Land Transport Act 1998 shall apply, so far as applicable and with any necessary modifications, as if the order had been made under that Act.
(4)
In determining, for the purposes of paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (1), whether any order would have been obligatory or could have been ordered under any of the sections referred to in either of those paragraphs, a finding (whether made before or after the commencement of this section), by a Children and Young Persons Court or the Youth Court, that a young person is proved to have committed an offence referred to in section 32(1) or section 65(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (not being an offence in respect of which an order has been made under section 282 of this Act or section 35 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1974) shall be deemed to be a conviction for that offence.
(5)
Where the Youth Court makes an order pursuant to subsection (1)(c) in respect of a young person, that young person shall not be required to pay the Assessment Centre fee payable under section 65(4) of the Land Transport Act 1998 in respect of that order unless the Youth Court, being satisfied that the young person has the capacity to pay that fee within a period of 12 months from the date on which the fee is payable, so orders.
Section 293A: inserted, on 1 April 1990, by section 35(3) of the Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Act 1990 (1990 No 26).
Section 293A(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293A(1)(a): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 293A(1)(b): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 293A(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 293A(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293A(2): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Section 293A(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293A(3): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 293A(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293A(4): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 293A(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 293A(5): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
294 Demerit points
Where—
(a)
a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court; and
(b)
the offence is such that, if the offender were convicted in the District Court, the Director of Land Transport would be obliged under section 88 of the Land Transport Act 1998 to record demerit points in respect of the offender,—
the young person is, unless the charge is discharged under section 282, deemed, for the purposes of sections 88 to 91 of the Land Transport Act 1998 and of any regulations made under section 167(1)(g) of that Act, to have been convicted of that offence, and the provisions of those sections of that Act and those regulations apply accordingly with all necessary modifications.
Section 294: replaced, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Section 294: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 294(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 294(b): amended, on 1 April 2021, by section 175(1) of the Land Transport (NZTA) Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 48).
Section 294(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
295 Recall to come before court
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 283(c), the court may, at any time during the duration of the order, direct, on the application of the chief executive or a constable, the issue to the young person in respect of whom the order was made of a summons, in a form prescribed by rules of court, to appear before the court.
(2)
Where a young person appears before the court on a summons issued under subsection (1), the court may consider the matter and after taking into account such factors as may be relevant since the making of the order, exercise any of the powers conferred on it under section 283, except that,—
(a)
where any power conferred by paragraph (d), paragraph (e), paragraph (f), paragraph (g) or paragraph (h) of that section was exercised in the first instance, the powers so exercised shall not be exercised again; and
(b)
where the court makes a further order under paragraph (c) of that section, the court shall not, if the young person appears before the court on a summons issued under subsection (1) of this section in relation to that further order, make any further order under that paragraph.
(3)
In any case where a young person does not appear in answer to a summons that has been served under this section, a Youth Court Judge or District Court Judge may direct the issue of a warrant to arrest that young person and bring that young person before the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 36(3)
Section 295(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 295(1): amended, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Expiry of orders
296 Expiry of orders
(1)
This section applies to an order that is—
(a)
an order under section 283(c) (to come before the court, if called upon within 12 months after the order is made, so that the court may take further action under section 283); or
(b)
a parenting education programme order under section 283(ja); or
(c)
a mentoring programme order under section 283(jb); or
(d)
an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order under section 283(jc); or
(e)
an order under section 283(k) (placing the young person under the supervision of the chief executive or a specified person or organisation); or
(f)
an order under section 283(l) (a community work order under section 298); or
(g)
an order under section 283(m) (a supervision with activity order under section 307); or
(h)
an order under section 283(n) (a supervision with residence order under section 311); or
(i)
an intensive supervision order under section 296G; or
(j)
a custody order under section 297B(5); or
(k)
a custody order under section 307(4).
(2)
The order expires (if it does not expire sooner) when the young person in respect of whom it is made attains the age of 19 years, if it is—
(a)
an order specified in subsection (1)(a) to (i) and made on or after 1 October 2010; or
(b)
an order specified in subsection (1)(j) or (k) and made after the date on which the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 comes into force.
(3)
The order expires (if it does not expire sooner) 6 months after the young person in respect of whom it is made attains the age of 17 years if it is an order specified in subsection (1)(a) to (i) and made before 1 October 2010.
(4)
The order expires under section 108 if it is an order specified in subsection (1)(j) and (k) and made before the date on which the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 comes into force.
Section 296: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296(1)(i): amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 296(1)(j): inserted, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 296(1)(k): inserted, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 296(2): replaced, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 296(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 120 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 296(3): replaced, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 296(4): inserted, on 12 December 2012, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Failure to comply with, and variation and cancellation of, specified orders
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
296A Orders to which sections 296B and 296E apply
(1)
Sections 296B and 296E apply to the following orders:
(a)
a parenting education programme order under section 283(ja) requiring the young person in respect of whom the order is made to attend a specified parenting education programme:
(b)
a mentoring programme order under section 283(jb):
(c)
an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order under section 283(jc):
(d)
a supervision order under section 283(k):
(e)
a community work order under section 298:
(f)
a supervision with activity order under section 307:
(g)
an intensive supervision order under section 296G.
(2)
Section 296E also applies to a parenting education programme order under section 298(ja) requiring the parent or guardian or other person having the care of the young person in respect of whom the order is made to attend a specified parenting education programme.
Section 296A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
296B Failure to comply
(1)
If the young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a term, condition, or other requirement of an order specified in section 296A(1), an application for a declaration to that effect may be made by—
(a)
the chief executive, if the order is one under section 283(ja), (jb), or (jc); or
(b)
the chief executive or, as the case may be, the person or organisation specified in the order under whose supervision the young person has been placed, if the order is one under section 283(k), 296G, or 307; or
(c)
a constable, if the order is one under section 296G and the failure to comply is with a curfew condition imposed under section 296J(1); or
(d)
the chief executive or the person or organisation supervising the order, if the order is one under section 298.
(2)
Every application under subsection (1) must be served on the young person to whom the order relates and on any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the young person.
(3)
If satisfied on an application under subsection (1) that the young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a term, condition, or other requirement of an order to which this section applies, the court may make a declaration to that effect and may—
(a)
cancel the order, and in substitution for that order make any other order under section 283 the court thinks fit; or
(b)
make any order the court is empowered to make under section 296E as if an application had been made under that section in relation to that order; or
(c)
if the condition concerned is one the young person’s compliance with which is the subject of judicial monitoring in accordance with a direction under section 308A, cancel the order, and in substitution for that order make an intensive supervision order under section 296G.
(4)
On or after making or varying under subsection (3)(a) or (b) a supervision order or supervision with activity order in respect of a young person, the court may in accordance with section 308A(1)(a) direct that the young person’s compliance with 1 or more specified conditions of the order is to be monitored judicially.
(5)
Subsection (3) is subject to section 289(2) (on the court imposing the least restrictive outcome that is adequate in the circumstances).
Section 296B: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296B(1)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 296B(1)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
296C Warrant to have young person arrested and brought before court
(1)
This section applies if a person has made an application under section 296B(1) for a declaration that a young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a requirement of an order specified in section 296A(1) (a breach application).
(2)
The person may make, to the court dealing with the breach application, an application in writing and on oath for a warrant to arrest, and to bring before that court, the young person to whom the breach application relates if the person believes on reasonable grounds that—
(a)
all reasonable efforts have been made to locate or, as the case requires, to serve the breach application on, that young person, but those efforts have failed; or
(b)
the breach application has been served on that young person, but the young person has failed to appear before that court.
(3)
The court dealing with the breach application may, on an application under subsection (2), issue a warrant to arrest, and to bring before that court, the young person to whom the breach application relates if satisfied that—
(a)
all reasonable efforts have been made to locate or, as the case requires, to serve the breach application on, that young person, but those efforts have failed; or
(b)
the breach application has been served on that young person, but the young person has failed to appear before that court.
Compare: 2002 No 9 s 72(3)
Section 296C: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296C(2)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 296C(3)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
296D Execution of warrant under section 296C
(1)
A warrant under section 296C may be executed only by a constable.
(2)
The warrant must be directed to a constable by name or generally to every constable, but in either case may be executed by any constable.
(3)
For the purpose of executing the warrant, the constable executing it may at any time enter on to any premises, by force if necessary, if the constable has reasonable grounds to believe that the young person against whom it is issued is on those premises.
(4)
Sections 445A (person executing warrant to produce evidence of authority and identity) and 445B (authority to use facsimile copy of warrant) apply to the warrant.
Compare: 2000 No 38 s 36(2)–(4); 2002 No 9 s 72(4)
Section 296D: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296D(3): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
296E Variation and cancellation
(1)
If an order specified in section 296A(1) or (2) has been made in respect of a young person or in respect of a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a young person, on an application for the purpose the court may—
(a)
cancel the order:
(b)
suspend the order for a period specified by the court:
(c)
suspend a condition of the order for a period specified by the court:
(d)
impose a further condition of the order:
(e)
vary a condition of the order.
(2)
The application may be made only by 1 or more of the following persons or organisations:
(a)
the young person, or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the young person:
(b)
the provider of the parenting education, mentoring, or alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme concerned, or the chief executive, if the order is one under section 283(ja), (jb), or (jc):
(c)
the chief executive or, as the case may be, the person or organisation specified in the order under whose supervision the young person has been placed, if the order is one under section 283(k), 296G, or 307:
(d)
the chief executive or the person or organisation supervising the order, if the order is one under section 298.
(3)
The application must be served on—
(a)
every other person or organisation specified in subsection (2) who could also have made the application; and
(b)
the barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the young person.
(4)
Every person or organisation on whom the application must be served is entitled to appear and be heard at the hearing of the application.
(5)
If the application is for the suspension or variation of a condition of an order under section 283(k), 296G, or 307, the chief executive (if the order places the young person under the supervision of the chief executive), or (in any other case) the person or organisation specified in the order, may suspend the condition until the application has been heard and disposed of by the court.
Section 296E: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296E(2)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 296E(2)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
296F Interim suspension order
(1)
This section applies if a person has made—
(a)
an application under section 296B(1) for a declaration that a young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a requirement of an order specified in section 296A(1) (a breach application); or
(b)
an application under section 296E in respect of an order specified in section 296A(1) or (2) (a variation or cancellation application).
(2)
The court to which the breach application or, as the case may be, the variation or cancellation application has been made may, on the application of a party to the proceedings or the youth advocate, or of its own motion, make an interim suspension order that suspends the operation of the order specified in section 296A(1) or (2) until the court disposes of the breach application or, as the case may be, the variation or cancellation application.
(3)
If the court makes an interim suspension order under this section in respect of an order specified in section 296A(1), the court may also exercise, in respect of the young person, any power conferred by section 238(1)(a) to (e).
Section 296F: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296F(3): amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Intensive supervision orders
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
296G Intensive supervision order in response to young person’s non-compliance with judicially monitored condition of supervision or supervision with activity order
In the situation specified in section 296B(3)(c), the court may make an order placing the young person under the supervision of the chief executive or such person or organisation as may be specified in the order for a period specified in the order and of not more than 12 months.
Section 296G: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
296H Duty of chief executive to provide supervision under intensive supervision order
If a young person is placed under the supervision of the chief executive by an order under section 296G, the chief executive must provide supervision for that young person.
Section 296H: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
296I Conditions of intensive supervision order
(1)
An order under section 296G is subject to—
(a)
the conditions specified in section 305 (except paragraph (b)):
(b)
a condition that the young person must report to the supervisor—
(i)
at least once each week during the first 3 months of the order, and at least once each month after the first 3 months of the order:
(ii)
as and when the young person is required to do so at other times by the supervisor:
(c)
any additional conditions under section 306 the court imposes:
(d)
any additional conditions (imposing a curfew, with or without electronic monitoring of compliance with that curfew) the court imposes under section 296J:
(e)
a condition (if the court under this paragraph imposes one) that the young person attend and remain at, for any weekday, evening, and weekend hours each week and for any number of months the court thinks fit, any specified centre approved by the department, and take part in any activity required by the person in charge of the centre:
(f)
a condition (if the court under this paragraph imposes one) that the young person undertake any specified programme or activity.
(2)
In this section, supervisor means any of the following people who are to provide or are providing supervision of a young person:
(a)
a person who has been delegated the chief executive’s functions or powers under section 296H:
(b)
the person named in the order:
(c)
a person who is acting on behalf of the organisation named in the order.
Section 296I: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296I(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 296I(b)(ii): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 296I(2): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
296J Additional conditions imposing curfew with or without electronic monitoring of compliance
(1)
On or after making an order under section 296G, the court may impose, and make the order also subject to, a condition (a curfew condition) that the young person must, for a duration no longer than the duration of the order (the curfew duration), comply with a curfew requiring the young person to remain, for 1 or more specified periods of each day (the daily curfew period), at a specified address (the curfew address).
(2)
On imposing, and making an order under section 296G also subject to, a curfew condition, the court must specify in that condition the curfew duration, the daily curfew period, and the curfew address.
(3)
Every daily curfew period specified under subsection (2) must not be for a period of less than 2 hours, and the daily curfew periods for any week must not be more than 84 hours.
(4)
The young person is not in custody during the daily curfew period; but—
(a)
during the daily curfew period, the young person must not, at any time, leave the curfew address except in the circumstances set out in subsection (5):
(b)
during the curfew duration, the young person must co-operate with the chief executive, and must comply with any lawful direction (for example, one for the purpose of implementing an electronic monitoring condition under subsection (6)) given by the chief executive for the purpose of implementing the relevant curfew condition:
(c)
the young person must, when required to do so by the chief executive and for the purpose of implementing an electronic monitoring condition under subsection (6), submit to the electronic monitoring of compliance with the relevant curfew condition, which may require the young person to be connected to electronic monitoring equipment throughout the period of the order under section 296G and not just throughout the curfew duration.
(5)
A young person may leave the curfew address during the daily curfew period only—
(a)
to seek urgent medical or dental treatment; or
(b)
to avoid or minimise a serious risk of death or injury to the young person or any other person; or
(c)
with the approval of the chief executive,—
(i)
to seek or engage in employment; or
(ii)
to attend educational, training, or other rehabilitative or reintegrative activities or programmes; or
(iii)
to attend a family group conference or other process relating to the young person’s offending; or
(iv)
to carry out any undertaking, or implement a decision, recommendation, or plan, arising from a family group conference or other process relating to the young person’s offending; or
(d)
with the approval of the chief executive and subject to any conditions imposed by the chief executive, on humanitarian grounds.
(6)
On or after imposing, and making an order under section 296G also subject to, a curfew condition, the court may, if satisfied that other conditions of the order are likely to be insufficient to secure the young person’s compliance with the order, make the order also subject to a condition that the young person must for a specified period not exceeding 6 months submit to electronic monitoring of the young person’s compliance with the curfew condition.
(7)
A Judge exercising the jurisdiction of the court to impose an electronic monitoring condition under subsection (6) must when imposing the condition record in writing the Judge’s reasons for doing so.
Compare: 2002 No 9 ss 69B(3)–(5), 69E(1)(a), (1)(e), (2)
Section 296J: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296J(6): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 296J(7): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
296K Electronic monitoring
(1)
The purposes of an electronic monitoring condition imposed under section 296J(6) are to—
(a)
deter the young person from breaching the requirement of the relevant curfew condition that the young person remain at the curfew address during the daily curfew period; and
(b)
monitor the young person’s compliance with that requirement.
(2)
Information about a young person that is obtained through electronic monitoring may be used only for the purposes referred to in subsection (1) and for the following purposes:
(a)
to verify compliance with the requirement of the relevant curfew condition that the young person remain at the curfew address during the daily curfew period:
(b)
to detect non-compliance with that requirement:
(c)
to provide evidence of non-compliance with that requirement:
(d)
to verify that the young person has not tampered or otherwise interfered with the ability of the electronic monitoring equipment to operate effectively and accurately.
(3)
Information may be collected during the whole of the period of the order under section 296G but may be used only if it was collected for 1 or more of the purposes set out in this section and, except for information collected for the purpose in subsection (2)(d), was collected during the curfew duration.
(4)
Any information obtained by electronic monitoring outside the curfew duration must be destroyed as soon as practicable.
(5)
The chief executive may from time to time, either generally or particularly, with the agreement of the Commissioner of Police delegate to that Commissioner all or any of the chief executive’s functions or powers under this Act relating to implementation of electronic monitoring conditions imposed under section 296J(6).
(6)
Clause 2(10), (13), and (15) of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 applies with all necessary modifications to a delegation under subsection (5); but nothing in this section limits or affects clauses 2 and 3 of Schedule 6 of the Public Service Act 2020 or its application to the functions or powers that may be delegated under subsection (5).
(7)
Functions or powers delegated under subsection (5) must be regarded as functions or powers of the Commissioner of Police for the purposes of section 17(1) of the Policing Act 2008.
Compare: 2002 No 9 s 69F
Section 296K: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296K(6): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
296L Powers to detain and return, and arrest, young person breaching curfew condition
(1)
A constable or the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) may (using such reasonable force as may be necessary) detain without warrant and return to the curfew address a young person subject to a curfew condition under section 296J and found at a place other than the curfew address if the constable or delegate believes on reasonable grounds that the young person has failed to comply with the curfew condition by—
(a)
leaving, or being taken without authority, from the curfew address; or
(b)
refusing or neglecting to return to the curfew address.
(2)
A constable may (using such reasonable force as may be necessary) arrest without warrant a young person subject to a curfew condition under section 296J and found at a place other than the curfew address if the constable believes on reasonable grounds that the young person has failed to comply with the curfew condition by—
(a)
leaving, or being taken without authority, from the curfew address; or
(b)
refusing or neglecting to return to the curfew address.
(3)
A young person to whom this section applies does not, by reason only of an act or omission referred to in subsection (1) or (2), commit an offence against section 120 of the Crimes Act 1961.
Section 296L: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 296L(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 296L(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
296M Review of intensive supervision order
(1)
After making an order under section 296G, the court—
(a)
must fix promptly dates (which must be not later than 3 months after the date on which the order is made, and at least once every 3 months after that date, but before the order expires) for review of the plan that was prepared in respect of the order in accordance with section 335 (the plan); and
(b)
may direct who is to review the plan (and if it does not make a direction, the person who prepared the plan is deemed to have been directed to review it under this paragraph); and
(c)
may, at any time, and either on its own initiative or on the application of a party to the proceedings or a barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the young person, amend a direction made or deemed to be made under paragraph (b), or revoke it and substitute another direction.
(2)
On or before each of the dates fixed under subsection (1)(a), the person who is directed to review the plan must review the plan and furnish to the court—
(a)
a report setting out the results of the review; and
(b)
a revised plan in respect of the young person.
(3)
The report furnished to the court under subsection (2) must—
(a)
state which of the objectives set out in the plan have been achieved and which of those objectives are yet to be achieved:
(b)
state, in respect of those objectives that are yet to be achieved, what action is required to achieve those objectives:
(c)
recommend, in respect of any order made by the court under this Part in relation to the young person to whom the plan relates, whether that order should continue in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and whether any condition of that order should be continued in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and the reasons for those recommendations:
(d)
state, in respect of those persons who were required to be given a copy of the plan pursuant to section 191 (as applied by section 339), whether each of those persons agrees with the recommendations contained in the report.
(4)
The court must consider a report furnished to it pursuant to subsection (2) and the accompanying revised plan, and, after giving such persons (if any) as it thinks fit an opportunity to be heard, may do either or both of the following things:
(a)
exercise, in relation to the order (if it remains in force), any of the powers set out in section 296E as if an application had been made in relation to the order under that section:
(b)
if the court considers the report furnished under subsection (2), or the revised plan, or both, to be inadequate, direct the person who prepared the report to furnish to the court a further report, or a further revised plan, or both, ensuring that the direction to that person indicates any specific matter that it requires to be dealt with in that report or plan.
Section 296M: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 29 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Powers of court where young person already subject to order made under this Part
297 Powers of court in dealing with young person subject to order made under this Part
Where a court finds a charge against a young person proved, and that young person is subject to an order made by a court under this Part, the court may—
(a)
subject to section 285(5), make such order under section 283 as the court thinks fit in addition to the order to which the young person is subject:
(b)
revoke the order to which the young person is subject and make such order under section 283 as the court thinks fit.
Parenting education programme orders
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 30 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
297A Written statements of terms, and how court may respond to failures to comply
(1)
If an order under section 283(ja) is made requiring a young person who is, or is soon to be, a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child to attend a parenting education programme, a written statement of the terms of the order must be supplied to that young person in accordance with section 340.
(2)
If an order under section 283(ja) is made requiring a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a young person to attend a parenting education programme, the court must as soon as is reasonably practicable cause to be supplied to the parent or guardian or other person a written statement specifying—
(a)
the terms and conditions of the order:
(b)
possible consequences of a failure to comply with the order:
(c)
provisions for variation of the order:
(d)
rights of appeal against the order.
(3)
Subsection (4) applies if the court is at any time satisfied in the light of a report under section 320 or of other information available to it that a person required to attend a parenting education programme by an order under section 283(ja) has failed to comply with the order.
(4)
The court may direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference under Part 2 for the purpose of considering matters relating to the care or protection of every child or young person in the care of the person required by the order under section 283(ja) to attend the parenting education programme.
(5)
The care and protection co-ordinator must comply with, and Part 2 applies with all necessary modifications to a conference convened in accordance with, a direction under subsection (4).
Section 297A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 30 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme orders
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 30 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
297B Nature of programmes, who may consent to medical treatment, and related custody orders
(1)
Programme, for the purposes of section 283(jc) and this section, means a programme that is or includes all or any of the following (whether residential or non-residential in nature):
(a)
psychiatric, psychological, or similar counselling or therapy:
(b)
a medical, psychiatric, psychological, social, therapeutic, rehabilitative, or reintegrative programme with a focus on alcohol or drug issues.
(2)
No young person may receive or undergo any medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination or treatment that forms part of a programme that the young person is required by an order under section 283(jc) to attend unless consent to the young person’s receiving or undergoing the examination or treatment has been given by or on behalf of the young person.
(3)
The consent required by subsection (2) may be given, in the case of a young person of or over the age of 16 years, by that young person and, in any other case,—
(a)
by a parent or guardian (not being the chief executive) of the young person; or
(b)
if there is no such parent or guardian in New Zealand or no such parent or guardian can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a person in New Zealand who has been acting in the place of a parent; or
(c)
if there is no person in New Zealand who has been so acting, or if no such person can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a District Court Judge or the chief executive.
(4)
This subsection applies if the court is satisfied that a programme that a young person is required by an order under section 283(jc) to attend is unable to be provided to the young person while they live with the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the young person.
(5)
If subsection (4) applies, the court may, to enable the programme referred to in subsection (4) to be provided to the young person, make an order placing the young person in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service.
(6)
The court must not make an order under subsection (5) placing a young person in the custody of a person (other than the chief executive) or organisation unless that person or organisation consents to the making of the order.
(7)
A custody order under subsection (5) has the same effect as if the young person had been placed in the custody of the relevant person or organisation under an order under section 101, except that—
(a)
a custody order under subsection (5) expires under section 296 (and so generally not under section 108); and
(b)
section 365 (which would empower the chief executive to place the young person in a residence established under section 364) does not apply to the young person.
Section 297B: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 30 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 297B(4): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 297B(7): replaced, on 12 December 2012, by section 6 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Community work order
298 Community work order
(1)
Subject to this section, where a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, the court may order that the young person undertake work in the interests of the community for such number of hours, being not less than 20 nor more than 200, as the court may specify.
(2)
The work required to be undertaken for the purposes of a community work order shall—
(a)
be performed within such period not exceeding 12 months as the court shall specify:
(b)
be performed under the supervision of—
(i)
the chief executive; or
(ii)
any person or organisation (being a person or organisation approved by the chief executive either generally or in the particular case) who or which agrees to supervise the order.
(3)
The Youth Court must not make a community work order unless it is satisfied that suitable work is available for the young person to perform for the purposes of the order.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 36(1)(ia); 1977 No 126 s 10(2)
Section 298(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 298(1): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 31 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 298(2)(b)(i): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 298(2)(b)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 298(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
299 Failure to comply with community work order
[Repealed]Section 299: repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 32 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
300 Variation or cancellation of community work order
[Repealed]Section 300: repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 32 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
301 Procedural provisions relating to application under section 300
[Repealed]Section 301: repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 32 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
302 Application of Accident Compensation Act 2001 to young persons performing work under community work order
When a young person performs any service or does any work for the purposes of a community work order, the following provisions apply:
(a)
if the young person suffers any personal injury for which the young person has cover under the Accident Compensation Act 2001 arising out of and in the course of performing that service or doing that work,—
(i)
the personal injury is deemed, for the purposes of section 97 of that Act only, to be a work-related personal injury; and
(ii)
the Crown is liable to pay compensation to which the young person is entitled under that section:
(b)
the cost of all other entitlements of the young person under that Act must be met from the Earners’ Account in the case of a young person who is an earner and from the Non-Earners’ Account in all other cases.
Section 302: replaced, on 1 April 2000, by section 9(1) of the Accident Insurance Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 6).
Section 302 heading: amended, on 3 March 2010, pursuant to section 5(1)(b) of the Accident Compensation Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 1).
Section 302(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 302(a): amended, on 3 March 2010, pursuant to section 5(1)(b) of the Accident Compensation Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 1).
Section 302(a)(i): amended, on 1 April 2002, by section 337(1) of the Accident Compensation Act 2001 (2001 No 49).
303 Effect of subsequent sentence
Where—
(a)
a community work order is in force in respect of a young person; and
(b)
a sentence of imprisonment or a community-based sentence (as those terms are defined in section 4(1) of the Sentencing Act 2002) or a sentence of home detention under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002 is subsequently imposed on that young person for another offence,—
the community work order shall be deemed to be cancelled unless the court imposing that sentence otherwise orders.
Compare: 1985 No 120 s 63(1)
Section 303(b): amended, on 1 October 2007, by section 58 of the Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27).
Section 303(b): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).
Provisions relating to supervision orders and supervision with activity orders
304 Duty of chief executive to provide supervision
If a young person is placed under the supervision of the chief executive by an order under section 283(k) or 307(1), the chief executive must provide supervision for that young person.
Section 304: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
305 Conditions of supervision order
(1)
If the court makes an order under section 283(k), the following conditions apply:
(a)
the supervisor may, at all reasonable times, visit and enter the building or place in which the young person is living:
(b)
the young person must report to the supervisor as and when the young person is required to do so by the supervisor:
(c)
the young person must not reside at an address at which the supervisor has directed them not to reside:
(d)
the young person may only continue in employment, or continue to engage in any occupation, approved by the supervisor:
(e)
the young person must ensure that the supervisor knows at all times the address at which the young person is residing:
(f)
the young person must not associate with any specified person or any specified class of persons that the supervisor has, in writing, warned them not to associate with.
(2)
For the purposes of this section and section 306, supervisor means any of the following people who are to provide or are providing supervision of a young person:
(a)
a person who has been delegated the chief executive’s functions or powers under section 283(k):
(b)
the person named in the order:
(c)
a person who is acting on behalf of the organisation named in the order.
Section 305: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 305(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 305(1)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 305(1)(e): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 305(1)(f): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
306 Power of court to impose additional conditions
(1)
The court, in making an order under section 283(k) placing a young person under the supervision of the chief executive or a person or organisation specified in the order, may, in its discretion, impose any or all of the following conditions:
(a)
that any sum required to be paid by that young person pursuant to an order made under paragraph (e) or paragraph (f) of section 283 shall be paid within such period and by such instalments as may from time to time be directed by the supervisor under whose supervision the young person is:
(b)
that the young person shall not own or drive a motorcycle or any other kind of motor vehicle:
(c)
that the young person shall not associate with any specified person or with persons of any specified class:
(d)
that the young person shall undergo any specified medical examination and treatment or any specified psychological or psychiatric examination, counselling, and therapy:
(e)
such conditions relating to the young person’s place of residence, employment, or earnings as the court thinks fit:
(f)
such other conditions as the court thinks fit to reduce the likelihood of further offending by the young person.
(2)
The court shall not impose any condition under subsection (1) requiring any young person to undergo any medical, psychiatric, or psychological examination or treatment, or any psychological or psychiatric counselling or therapy, unless consent to the examination, treatment, counselling, or therapy is given—
(a)
in the case of a young person of or over the age of 16 years, by that young person; or
(b)
in any other case,—
(i)
by a parent or guardian (not being the chief executive) of the young person; or
(ii)
if there is no such parent or guardian in New Zealand or no such parent or guardian can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a person in New Zealand who has been acting in the place of a parent; or
(iii)
if there is no person in New Zealand who has been so acting, or if no such person can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a District Court Judge or the chief executive.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 47(1)(a)–(f), (i); 1983 No 129 s 12(1)
Section 306(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 306(1)(a): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 306(2)(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 306(2)(b)(iii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
307 Supervision with activity order
(1)
If a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, the court may make an order placing the young person under the supervision of the chief executive, or of any person or organisation specified in the order, for a period not exceeding 6 months, and (subject to section 290A) imposing either or both of the following conditions:
(a)
that the young person attend and remain at, for any weekday, evening, and weekend hours each week and for any number of months the court thinks fit, any specified centre approved by the department, and take part in any activity required by the person in charge of the centre:
(b)
that the young person undertake any specified programme or activity.
(2)
If the court makes an order under subsection (1) in respect of a young person, it may at the same time or before that order expires make an order under section 283(k)—
(a)
placing that young person under the supervision of the chief executive or such person or organisation as is specified in the order for such period (not exceeding 6 months) as the court may specify; and
(b)
that must come into force on the expiry of the order made under subsection (1).
(3)
This subsection applies if the court is satisfied that a programme or activity that a young person is required by a condition of an order under subsection (1) to take part in or undertake is unable to be provided to the young person while they live with the parents or guardians or other persons having the care of the young person.
(4)
If subsection (3) applies, the court may, to enable the programme or activity referred to in subsection (3) to be provided to the young person, make an order placing the young person in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service.
(5)
The court must not make an order under subsection (4) placing a young person in the custody of a person (other than the chief executive) or organisation unless that person consents to the making of the order.
(6)
A custody order under subsection (4) has the same effect as if the young person had been placed in the custody of the relevant person or organisation under an order under section 101, except that—
(a)
a custody order under subsection (4) expires under section 296 (and so generally not under section 108); and
(b)
section 365 (which would empower the chief executive to place the young person in a residence established under section 364) does not apply to the young person.
Section 307: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 33 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 307(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 307(3): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 307(6): replaced, on 12 December 2012, by section 7 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
308 Conditions of supervision with activity order
(1)
The conditions specified in section 305 shall apply to every order made under section 307(1) as if that order were an order made under section 283(k).
(2)
The court may, in making an order under section 307(1), impose any or all of the conditions specified in section 306.
308A Judicial monitoring of compliance with conditions of supervision or supervision with activity order
(1)
The court may direct that a young person’s compliance with 1 or more specified conditions of a supervision or supervision with activity order made in respect of a young person is to be monitored judicially at the times specified in the direction (or at any other replacement monitoring times the court specifies) if—
(a)
the order is one made or varied by the court after declaring under section 296B(3) that the young person has without reasonable excuse failed to comply satisfactorily with a term, condition, or other requirement of a supervision or supervision with activity order made in respect of the young person; or
(b)
the order is one made by the court under section 283 after a charge against the young person in respect of an offence is proved before the court and the young person has previously been the subject of an order under section 283 made in respect of another offence and that previous order is, or is an order more restrictive than, a supervision order under section 283(k); or
(c)
the young person has previously been convicted of an offence in the District Court or the High Court and, as a result of the conviction, sentenced by the District Court or by the High Court to—
(i)
a community-based sentence (as defined in section 4(1) of the Sentencing Act 2002); or
(ii)
a sentence of home detention imposed under section 80A of the Sentencing Act 2002; or
(iii)
a sentence of imprisonment (as so defined).
(2)
The times specified in a direction under subsection (1) (and any replacement monitoring times the court specifies) must require monitoring of the young person’s compliance with the conditions specified in the direction—
(a)
at a time not later than 3 months after the date on which the direction was given; and
(b)
at least once every 3 months after that time.
(3)
The young person must be—
(a)
given or supplied the terms of the direction by a written statement under section 340; and
(b)
given reasonable written notice of any replacement times the court specifies.
Section 308A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 34 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 308A(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
308B Effect of judicial monitoring direction
(1)
A direction under section 308A requires the young person to whom it relates to appear before the court at the times specified in the direction (or at any replacement times the court specifies) so that the court may—
(a)
monitor the young person’s compliance with the conditions that are the subject of the direction; and
(b)
review the young person’s progress in achieving the goals of the plan prepared under section 335 in respect of the order the conditions of which are the subject of the direction.
(2)
The court may, at any time during the duration of a direction under section 308A, direct, on the application of the chief executive or a constable, that the young person in respect of whom the direction under section 308A was given be issued with a summons, in a form prescribed by rules of court, to appear before the court.
(3)
If a young person does not appear in answer to a summons that has been served under this section, a Youth Court Judge or District Court Judge may direct that a warrant to arrest that young person and bring that young person before the court be issued.
Section 308B: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 34 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 308B(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
308C Progress reports
(1)
If the court has given a direction under section 308A in respect of a young person and in respect of specified conditions of an order, the chief executive must prepare and furnish to the court a written progress report on the young person’s compliance with those conditions.
(2)
The written progress report must be furnished to the court before the young person’s compliance with those conditions is monitored judicially for the first time.
(3)
The progress report—
(a)
must contain information on the young person’s compliance with those conditions and on the young person’s progress in achieving the goals of the plan prepared under section 335 in respect of the order the conditions of which are the subject of the direction; and
(b)
may contain any other information that the chief executive considers relevant to the judicial monitoring of the young person’s compliance with those conditions.
(4)
The chief executive must prepare and furnish to the court further progress reports at specified intervals of not less than 3 months if directed to do so by the court.
Compare: 2002 No 9 s 80ZJ
Section 308C: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 34 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 308C(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 308C(3)(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 308C(3)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 308C(4): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
309 Failure to observe conditions of supervision order or supervision with activity order
[Repealed]Section 309: repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
310 Suspension, cancellation, and variation of supervision order or supervision with activity order
[Repealed]Section 310: repealed, on 1 October 2010, by section 35 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Supervision with residence orders
311 Supervision with residence order
(1)
If a charge against a young person is proved before the Youth Court, the court may make an order placing the young person in the custody of the chief executive for a period of not less than 3 months and not more than 6 months.
(2)
If the Youth Court makes an order under subsection (1) in respect of a young person, the order may (subject to section 290A) be made subject to the condition that the young person undertake any specified programme or activity.
(2A)
If the Youth Court makes an order under subsection (1) in respect of a young person, the court must—
(a)
adjourn the proceedings to a date on which it will consider early release under section 314, and that is—
(i)
the date on which two-thirds of the period of the order under subsection (1) will have elapsed; or
(ii)
if it is not practicable to hold a hearing on that date, a date not more than 7 working days before that date; and
(b)
make an order under section 283(k) placing that young person under the supervision of the chief executive for a period of not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months.
(3)
The order required by subsection (2A)(b) must be made either at the same time as the order made under subsection (1) or after that time but—
(a)
before the expiry of the order made under subsection (1); or
(b)
before or on the date on which the young person is released from the custody of the chief executive under section 314, if that is earlier than the expiry of the order made under subsection (1).
(4)
The order required by subsection (2A)(b) must come into force on the earlier of the expiry specified in subsection (3)(a) and the date specified in subsection (3)(b), and may be made subject to all or any of the following conditions (which, if imposed by the court, apply in addition to the conditions required by section 305 and to any conditions the court imposes under section 306):
(a)
that the young person attend and remain at, for any weekday, evening, and weekend hours each week and for any number of months the court thinks fit, any specified centre approved by the department, and take part in any activity required by the person in charge of the centre:
(b)
that the young person undertake any specified programme or activity:
(c)
that the young person reside at an address specified by the court.
Section 311: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 36 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 311(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 311(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 311(2A): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 311(2A)(a): replaced, on 5 December 2013, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 311(3): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 40 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
312 Effect of supervision with residence order
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 311 placing a young person in the custody of the chief executive,—
(a)
the chief executive has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person as if a parenting order had been made with respect to the child or young person under section 48(1) of the Care of Children Act 2004; and
(b)
except to the extent that they are preserved by the court in any order made under section 313, all the rights, powers, and duties of every other person having custody of the young person shall be suspended and shall have no effect; and
(c)
for the purposes of section 91 of the Care of Children Act 2004,—
(i)
the order constitutes an order about the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person; and
(ii)
the chief executive is a person who, under the order, has the role of providing day-to-day care for the child or young person.
(2)
Any order made under section 311(1) shall be sufficient authority for any constable or the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) or any other person authorised in that behalf by the chief executive to take the young person to whom the order relates to such residence as is specified in the plan prepared under section 335 in relation to that young person and approved by the court, and to use such force as is reasonably necessary for that purpose.
(3)
Where the court makes an order under section 311 placing a young person in the custody of the chief executive, the chief executive may, with the approval of the court, transfer the young person from any residence to any other residence, and may, for that purpose, use such force as is reasonably necessary.
Section 312(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 312(1)(a): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 312(1)(c): replaced, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 312(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 312(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 312(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 312(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 312(3): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 37 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 312(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
313 Court may make orders for access and exercise of other rights by parents and other persons
(1)
Where the court makes an order under section 311 placing a young person in the custody of the chief executive, it may on making the order, or at any time thereafter, on application made by any parent of that young person or by any other person, make an order—
(a)
granting access to that young person to that parent or other person:
(b)
conferring on that parent or other person such other rights in relation to the young person as it thinks fit.
(2)
Any such order may be made on such terms and conditions as the court thinks fit.
Section 313(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
314 Court must in certain cases release young person from custody before expiry of supervision with residence order
(1)
The court must on the date on which under section 311(2A)(a) it will consider early release under this section release a young person from the custody of the chief executive pursuant to an order under section 311 if satisfied that during the period that the young person has been in that custody—
(a)
the young person has neither absconded nor committed any further offences; and
(b)
either the young person’s behaviour and compliance with any obligations placed on the young person by the plan prepared under section 335 in respect of the order have been satisfactory or any misbehaviour and non-compliance of the young person have been minor; and
(c)
the young person has complied satisfactorily with any condition of the order that the young person undertake any specified programme or activity.
(2)
The chief executive must, as soon as practicable before the date on which under section 311(2A)(a) the court will consider early release under this section, prepare for, and furnish to, the court a report addressing the matters specified in subsection (1)(a) to (c).
Section 314: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 38 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 314(1): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 6(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 314(1): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 6(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 314(2): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 6(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
315 Supervision with residence order to cease to run if young person absconds
Where a young person who is subject to an order made under section 311(1) absconds from the custody of the chief executive, any time during which that young person is unlawfully at large shall not count as part of the period during which that young person is in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to that order.
Section 315: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
316 Court may cancel supervision with residence order if young person absconds or fails to comply with order
(1)
The Youth Court may, on the application of the chief executive, cancel an order made under section 311 placing a young person in the custody of the chief executive if the court is satisfied that the young person has, at any time while that order is in force, absconded from the custody of the chief executive.
(1A)
The Youth Court may, on the application of the chief executive, cancel an order made under section 311 placing a young person aged 17 years in the custody of the chief executive, if the court is satisfied that the young person’s behaviour and compliance with any obligations placed on them by the order have been unsatisfactory to a more than minor extent.
(2)
Where the court cancels a supervision with residence order under subsection (1) or (1A),—
(a)
the court shall at the same time cancel the order required to be made under section 311(2A) in conjunction with that order:
(b)
the court may substitute, in relation to the young person in respect of whom the order was made, any other order that it could have made at the time when the order was made.
(3)
Every application under this section shall be served on the young person to whom the supervision with residence order relates, and on the barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing that young person, and those persons shall be entitled to appear and be heard at the hearing of the application.
(4)
Subsection (2) is subject to section 289(3) (on the court imposing the least restrictive outcome that is adequate in the circumstances).
Section 316 heading: amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 121(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 316(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 316(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 316(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 121(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 316(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 121(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 316(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 39(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 316(4): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 39(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
317 When supervision with residence order ceases to have effect
(1)
Every order made under section 311(1) shall cease to have effect when the order’s period elapses or the young person is sooner released from the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 314.
(1A)
If the period of an order made under section 311(1) elapses on a day that is a non-release day, the expiry of the order must for all purposes be treated as occurring instead on the nearest preceding day that is not a non-release day.
(1B)
Non-release day, in subsection (1A), means a day that is—
(a)
Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, or Waitangi Day; or
(b)
a day in the period commencing with 25 December in a year and ending with 15 January in the following year; or
(c)
in respect of release from a particular place, the anniversary day of the region in which that place is situated.
(2)
Where an order made under section 311(1) expires or is cancelled pursuant to section 316, custody of the young person shall revert to the person having custody of the young person immediately before the order was made.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49(1)–(7), (9); 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 317(1): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 317(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 317(1A): inserted, on 5 December 2013, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 317(1B): inserted, on 5 December 2013, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Section 317(1B)(a): amended, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
318 Search without warrant
(1)
For the purpose of exercising the powers conferred by section 312 in respect of any young person, any constable or the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) or any other person authorised in that behalf by the chief executive may, without a warrant, enter and search, by force if necessary, any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place, and remove the young person.
(2)
A person who exercises any powers under this section shall, on entering any dwelling house, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises or place, and, if requested at any subsequent time,—
(a)
produce evidence of identity; and
(b)
disclose that those powers are being exercised under this section.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49AB; 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 318(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 318(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 318(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 318(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 318(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
319 Medical treatment of young person in custody of chief executive
No young person who has been placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to an order made under section 311 shall receive any medical treatment unless consent to the treatment is given—
(a)
in the case of a young person of or over the age of 16 years, by that young person; or
(b)
in any other case,—
(i)
by a parent or guardian (not being the chief executive) of the young person; or
(ii)
if there is no such parent or guardian in New Zealand or no such parent or guardian can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a person in New Zealand who has been acting in the place of a parent; or
(iii)
if there is no person in New Zealand who has been so acting, or if no such person can be found with reasonable diligence or is capable of giving consent, by a District Court Judge or the chief executive.
Section 319 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 319: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 319(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 319(b)(iii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Review of orders for periods of at least 8 months
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 40 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
319A Orders must be reviewed
(1)
This section applies to an order only if the order is—
(a)
a mentoring programme order under section 283(jb) requiring the young person to attend in a specified manner for a period of at least 8 months a specified mentoring programme; or
(b)
an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order under section 283(jc) requiring the young person to attend in a specified manner for a period of at least 8 months a specified alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme; or
(c)
a supervision order under section 311(2A) that accompanies a supervision with residence order and places the young person under the supervision of the chief executive for a period of at least 8 months.
(2)
After making an order to which this section applies, the court—
(a)
must fix promptly a date (which must be not later than 6 months after the order comes into force, and before it expires) for review of the plan that was prepared in respect of the order in accordance with section 335 (the plan); and
(b)
may direct who is to review the plan (and if it does not make a direction, the person who prepared the plan is deemed to have been directed to review it under this paragraph); and
(c)
may, at any time, and either on its own initiative or on the application of a party to the proceedings or a barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the young person, amend a direction made or deemed to be made under paragraph (b), or revoke it and substitute another direction.
(3)
On or before the date fixed under subsection (2)(a), the person who is directed to review the plan must review the plan and furnish to the court—
(a)
a report setting out the results of the review; and
(b)
a revised plan in respect of the young person.
(4)
The report furnished to the court under subsection (3) must—
(a)
state which of the objectives set out in the plan have been achieved and which of those objectives are yet to be achieved:
(b)
state, in respect of those objectives that are yet to be achieved, what action is required to achieve those objectives:
(c)
recommend, in respect of any order made by the court under this Part in relation to the young person to whom the plan relates, whether that order should continue in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and whether any condition of that order should be continued in force, or be varied, suspended, or discharged, and the reasons for those recommendations:
(d)
state, in respect of those persons who were required to be given a copy of the plan pursuant to section 191 (as applied by section 339), whether each of those persons agrees with the recommendations contained in the report.
(5)
The court must consider a report furnished to it pursuant to subsection (3) and the accompanying revised plan, and, after giving such persons (if any) as it thinks fit an opportunity to be heard, the court may do either or both of the following things:
(a)
exercise, in relation to the order (if it remains in force), any of the powers set out in section 296E as if an application had been made in relation to the order under that section:
(b)
if the court considers the report furnished under subsection (3), or the revised plan, or both, to be inadequate, direct the person who prepared the report to furnish to the court a further report, or a further revised plan, or both, ensuring that the direction to that person indicates any specific matter that it requires to be dealt with in that report or plan.
Section 319A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 40 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Reports on effectiveness of orders
320 Report to be made to court on effectiveness of certain orders
(1)
Where the court makes a community work order under section 298, the chief executive or, as the case may be, the person or organisation supervising the order shall, on the expiry of the order, furnish to the court a report in writing.
(1A)
If the court makes a parenting education programme order under section 238(ja), a mentoring programme order under section 283(jb), or an alcohol or drug rehabilitation programme order under section 283(jc), the person or organisation providing the programme specified in the order must, on the expiry of the order, furnish to the court a report in writing.
(2)
Where, pursuant to an order made under section 283(k) or section 296G or section 307 (including any order made pursuant to section 307(2) or section 311(2A)), a young person is placed under the supervision of the chief executive or a person or organisation, the chief executive or, as the case may be, that person or organisation shall, on the expiry of the period specified in the order, furnish to the court a report in writing.
(3)
Where, pursuant to an order made under section 311(1), a young person is placed in the custody of the chief executive, the chief executive shall, on the expiry of the order, furnish a report to the court in writing.
(4)
Every report required by this section to be furnished to the court in relation to an order must contain—
(a)
an assessment of the effectiveness of the order:
(b)
an assessment of the response to the order of the young person or, if the order is a parenting education programme order made under section 283(ja), of—
(i)
the responses to the order of the person in respect of whom the order was made; and
(ii)
if it is reasonably practicable to ascertain them, the responses to the order of every child or young person affected by the order (other than any young person in respect of whom the order was made):
(c)
if the order is a parenting education programme order made under section 283(ja) and the person in respect of whom the order was made appears to have failed to comply with it, a recommendation whether the court under section 297A(4) should direct a care and protection co-ordinator to convene a family group conference under Part 2 for the purpose of considering matters relating to the care or protection of every child or young person affected by the order (other than any young person in respect of whom the order was made):
(d)
any other information the person who is required to furnish the report considers relevant.
(5)
Where, pursuant to this section, any person or organisation furnishes a report to the court, that person or organisation shall send a copy of that report to—
(a)
the appropriate youth justice co-ordinator; and
(b)
the young person to whom the report relates; and
(c)
the barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing that young person.
Section 320(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 320(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 41(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 320(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 41(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 320(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 41(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 320(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 320(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 320(4): replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 41(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Part 5 Provisions relating to procedure in Youth Court
General
321 Application of Acts relating to bail, criminal disclosure, criminal procedure, victims’ rights, and District Court
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the provisions set out in Schedule 1 shall apply, with such modifications as are indicated in that schedule or are necessary, to the Youth Court and to proceedings in that court, as the case may require.
(2)
For the purposes of section 293, the Youth Court and its officers have all the powers and duties of the District Court and its officers respectively, and Part 3 of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 shall apply accordingly with all necessary modifications and the following specific modification, namely, that where any child or young person is examined as to the means of that child or young person under that Part of that Act any parent or guardian or other person having the care of that child or young person may be present.
(3)
In any provisions so applied, District Court Judge, Judge, and judicial officer, for the purposes of this Act, mean a Youth Court Judge exercising jurisdiction in the Youth Court.
(4)
Any officer of the District Court may act as an officer of the Youth Court.
(5)
For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that, in any case where a child or young person first appears before the Youth Court following their arrest, the following powers may be exercised in relation to the child or young person by a Justice or Community Magistrate:
(a)
the powers conferred by section 238(1):
(b)
where the child or young person is legally represented in the proceedings, the powers conferred by section 246(b).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 99
Section 321 heading: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 321 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321 heading: amended, on 6 December 2014, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 321(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321(3): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 321(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321(4): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321(5): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 321(5): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 40 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 321(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 321(5): amended, on 30 June 1998, by section 7 of the District Courts Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 76).
322 Time for instituting proceedings
A Youth Court Judge may dismiss any charge charging a young person with the commission of an offence if the Judge is satisfied that the time that has elapsed between the date of the commission of the alleged offence and the hearing has been unnecessarily or unduly protracted.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 100
Section 322: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Youth advocates
323 Appointment of youth advocate to represent child or young person
(1)
Where a child or young person appears before the Youth Court charged with an offence, then unless—
(a)
the child or young person is already represented by a barrister or solicitor in those proceedings; or
(b)
the court is satisfied that legal representation has been arranged, or will be arranged, for that child or young person in those proceedings,—
the court shall appoint a barrister or solicitor to represent that child or young person in those proceedings.
(2)
Where the court appoints a barrister or solicitor under subsection (1), it shall, so far as practicable, appoint a barrister or solicitor who is, by reason of personality, cultural background, training, and experience, suitably qualified to represent the child or young person.
(3)
Where,—
(a)
pursuant to subsection (1), the court is required to appoint a barrister or solicitor to represent a child or young person in any proceedings; and
(b)
a youth advocate has been appointed to represent the child or young person in any previous proceedings or appointed to represent a child or young person at a family group conference under section 248A,—
the court shall, where possible, appoint that youth advocate to represent the child or young person in the later proceedings.
Section 323(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 323(3)(b): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 122 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
324 Further provisions relating to youth advocate
(1)
A youth advocate appointed to represent a child or young person in any proceedings shall have, in relation to the representation of that child or young person in those proceedings and on any other occasion on which that youth advocate represents that child or young person, the same rights, powers, duties, privileges, and immunities that the youth advocate would have had if they had not been appointed pursuant to section 323 but had been retained by that child or young person to provide legal representation.
(2)
Where—
(a)
a youth advocate is appointed to represent a young person in any proceedings; and
(b)
in those proceedings the court makes, in respect of that young person, any order under section 283,—
that youth advocate shall, if the young person agrees, be entitled to represent the young person—
(c)
on any appeal under section 351 or section 352 or section 353 or section 354 in respect of those proceedings, and in any subsequent proceedings under Part 4 in relation to that order:
(d)
where the court makes an order under section 283(o) that the young person be brought before the District Court for sentence or decision,—
(i)
in the proceedings before the District Court:
(ii)
on any appeal against that sentence or decision:
(iii)
in relation to any matter arising out of that sentence or decision while that young person is detained in custody pursuant to that sentence or decision.
(3)
A youth advocate appointed to represent a child or young person in any proceedings may, if requested to do so by the child or young person,—
(a)
attend any family group conference held under Part 4 in respect of the child or young person, and may make representations on behalf of the child or young person at any such conference:
(b)
act on behalf of the child or young person in respect of any matter relating to the detention of that child or young person in secure care, or the care of that child or young person in a residence.
Section 324(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 324(2)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
325 Payment of youth advocate
(1)
The fees and expenses of a youth advocate must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under this Act or, if no such regulations are made, by the Registrar of the court; and
(b)
be paid out of a Crown Bank Account from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(2)
The bill of costs rendered by a youth advocate shall be given to the Registrar of the court that appointed that youth advocate, and the Registrar may tax the bill of costs.
(3)
A youth advocate who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Registrar as to the amount of the bill may, within 14 days after the date of the decision, apply to a Youth Court Judge to review the decision; and the Judge may make such order varying or confirming the decision as the Judge considers fair and reasonable.
(4)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may, if it thinks proper, order any party to the proceedings to refund to the Crown such amount as the court specifies in respect of any fees and expenses paid under that subsection, and the amount ordered to be refunded shall be a debt due to the Crown by that party and shall be recoverable accordingly in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 162
Section 325(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 41 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Lay advocates
326 Appointment of lay advocate
(1)
Where a child or young person appears before the Youth Court charged with an offence, the court may, on application by any person entitled to make representations in those proceedings on behalf of any person, or of its own motion, appoint any person, not being a barrister or solicitor, to appear in support of that child or young person in those proceedings.
(2)
Where the court appoints a lay advocate under subsection (1), it shall, so far as practicable, appoint a person who has, by reason of personality, cultural background, knowledge, and experience, sufficient standing in the culture of the child or young person in respect of whom the appointment is to be made to enable that person to carry out their duties under this Act.
(3)
The court may make an appointment under subsection (1) notwithstanding that the child or young person is represented in the proceedings by a barrister or solicitor.
Section 326(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 326(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
327 Functions of lay advocate
The principal functions of a lay advocate appointed under section 326 are as follows:
(a)
to ensure that the court is made aware of all cultural matters that are relevant to the proceedings:
(b)
to represent the interests of the child’s or young person’s whanau, hapu, and iwi (or their equivalents (if any) in the culture of the child or young person) to the extent that those interests are not otherwise represented in the proceedings.
328 Further provisions relating to lay advocate
Subsections (2) and (3) of section 324 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every lay advocate appointed under section 326(1) to appear in support of a child or young person in any proceedings as if that lay advocate were a youth advocate appointed to represent that child or young person in those proceedings.
328A Payment of lay advocate
(1)
The fees and expenses of a lay advocate appointed under section 326 must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under this Act or, if no such regulations are made, by the Registrar of the court; and
(b)
be paid out of a Crown Bank Account from money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may, if it thinks proper, order any party to the proceedings to refund to the Crown such amount as the court specifies in respect of any fees and expenses paid under that subsection, and the amount ordered to be refunded shall be a debt due to the Crown by that party and shall be recoverable accordingly in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 328A: inserted, on 1 November 1989, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70).
Section 328A(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 42 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Attendance at hearings and right to make representations
329 Persons entitled to be present at hearing
(1)
No person shall be present during the hearing of any proceedings in the Youth Court relating to a child or young person except—
(a)
officers of the court:
(b)
the child or young person:
(c)
the prosecutor and any person, including any barrister or solicitor, conducting the proceedings against the child or young person:
(d)
the parents or guardians or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(e)
where a family group conference has been held under Part 4 in relation to the child or young person, a representative appointed by that family group conference:
(f)
any barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the child or young person:
(g)
any barrister or solicitor representing any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(h)
any youth justice co-ordinator:
(i)
the chief executive:
(j)
any lay advocate who appears in support of the child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(ja)
a victim of the offence or alleged offence, or the victim’s representative:
(jb)
any 1 or more support persons (subject to any limitation on numbers imposed by the Judge) for the victim of the offence, or the victim’s representative:
(k)
witnesses:
(l)
accredited news media reporters:
(m)
any other person whom the Judge permits to be present.
(2)
If, during the hearing, the Judge requests a person of the kind described in paragraph (jb) or (k) to leave the courtroom, that person must do so.
(3)
Nothing in this section limits any other power of the court to hear proceedings in private or to exclude any person from the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 23; 1980 No 94 s 159(2), (3), (5)
Section 329(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 329(1)(c): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 329(1)(i): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 329(1)(ja): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 329(1)(ja): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 329(1)(jb): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 329(2): replaced, on 6 December 2014, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
330 Right to make representations in Youth Court
(1)
Where a child or young person appears before the Youth Court charged with an offence, representations may be made to the court on behalf of the child or young person by—
(a)
the child or young person:
(b)
any barrister or solicitor or youth advocate who represents the child or young person:
(c)
any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(d)
any lay advocate who appears in support of the child or young person or any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person:
(e)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
(2)
Where a child or young person appears before the Youth Court charged with an offence, representations may be made to the court on behalf of any parent or guardian or other person having the care of that child or young person by—
(a)
that parent or guardian or other person:
(b)
any barrister or solicitor who represents that parent or guardian or other person:
(c)
any lay advocate who appears in support of that parent or guardian or other person:
(d)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
(3)
Where, in respect of any child or young person who appears before the Youth Court charged with an offence, a family group conference has been held pursuant to Part 4, a representative of that family group conference shall be entitled to address the court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 40(b), (c); 1983 No 129 s 9
Section 330(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 330(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 330(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Arrangements for hearings in Youth Court
Heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
331 Matters before court to be dealt with separately
So far as practicable the sittings of the Youth Court shall be so arranged that—
(a)
persons attending are not brought into contact with persons in attendance at any other court; and
(b)
both the extent to which children and young persons are able to associate within the court premises while awaiting hearing, and the extent to which parents are obliged to congregate in common waiting facilities pending the hearing of proceedings in which they are involved, are reduced to a minimum.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 22
Section 331: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
332 Arrangements for hearing of proceedings in Youth Court
(1)
So far as practicable the hearing of proceedings in the Youth Court shall be arranged in a manner that keeps to a minimum the time that the persons involved have to wait for the proceedings to be heard.
(2)
The time stated in every summons requiring a person to appear before the Youth Court shall be a time that accords with the reasonable expectation of the Registrar of the court of the time when the proceedings in respect of which the summons is issued will be heard.
Section 332(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 332(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Reports
333 Medical, psychiatric, and psychological reports
(1)
If, at any stage of any proceedings under Part 4, it appears to the court that a medical, psychiatric, or psychological report should be available to the court, the court may make any order that the Family Court is empowered to make under any of the provisions of sections 178 and 181, and the provisions of those sections and of sections 179, 180, 182, 183, 184, and 185 shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary.
(2)
Without limiting the provisions of subsection (1), the court may obtain a psychiatric or psychological report under this section in respect of a young person for the purpose of assisting the court in determining—
(a)
whether the young person is unfit to stand trial within the meaning of section 4 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003; or
(b)
if the young person is insane within the meaning of section 23 of the Crimes Act 1961; or
(c)
the type and duration of any order that it is empowered to make under Part 4; or
(d)
the nature of any requirement that it might impose as part of, or as a condition of, any order that it is empowered to make under Part 4.
(3)
Without limiting the provisions of subsection (1), the court may make it a condition of any grant of bail that a young person shall attend, in accordance with the court’s directions, for the purposes of a psychiatric examination or a psychological assessment under this section.
Section 333(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 333(2): amended, on 1 September 2004, by section 51 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115).
Section 333(2)(a): amended, on 1 September 2004, by section 51 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115).
Section 333(3): amended, on 1 September 2004, by section 51 of the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115).
334 Report by social worker
(1)
Where the court makes a finding that a charge against a young person is proved, the court may, before making any order under section 283, obtain a report from a social worker.
(2)
The court shall not make an order under paragraph (ja) or paragraph (jb) or paragraph (jc) or paragraph (k) or paragraph (l) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) or paragraph (o) of section 283, or under section 296G, unless a report from a social worker is first obtained by the court.
(3)
The court shall consider every report furnished to it pursuant to this section.
(4)
Every report furnished to the court pursuant to this section shall include—
(a)
such information relating to the disposition of the case as will assist the court in its consideration of the matter:
(b)
such information as the court may direct.
(5)
Every report required pursuant to this section shall be prepared, where appropriate, in consultation with a Maatua Whangai worker.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 41(3), (5); 1982 No 135 s 9(1)
Section 334(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 42(a) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 334(2): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 42(b) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
335 Report to be accompanied by plan
(1)
Every report required under section 334 in relation to any order proposed to be made under paragraph (ja) or paragraph (jb) or paragraph (jc) or paragraph (k) or paragraph (l) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of section 283, or under section 296G, shall be accompanied by a plan containing details of how that order is to be implemented, including details of—
(a)
the arrangements that would be made for the care and control of the young person during the period in which the young person would be in the custody, or under the supervision, of the chief executive or any other person or organisation; and
(b)
the nature of any programme that would be provided to the young person during that period.
(2)
Every plan required by subsection (1) shall be prepared—
(a)
where it is proposed to place the young person under the supervision of any person (other than the chief executive), or any organisation, by that person or organisation:
(b)
by the chief executive in any other case.
Section 335(1): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 43(a) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 335(1): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 43(b) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 335(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 335(2)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 335(2)(b): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
336 Court may obtain cultural or community report
Before making any order under section 283 the court may make any order that the Family Court is empowered to make under section 187, and the provisions of that section shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary.
Section 336: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
337 Reports may be made orally
The court may, unless any person entitled to make representations in the proceedings objects, direct that any report required pursuant to section 334 (other than a report to which subsection (2) of that section applies) or section 336 be made orally to the court.
338 Privilege for reports
The provisions of section 188 shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary with respect to every report furnished to the court pursuant to section 296M or section 308C or section 314 or section 319A or section 320 or section 333 or section 334 or section 336.
Section 338: amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 338: amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 44 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
339 Access to reports and plans under this Part
The provisions of sections 191 to 194 shall apply with such modifications as may be necessary with respect to—
(a)
every report furnished to the court pursuant to section 296M or section 308C or section 314 or section 319A or section 320 or section 333 or section 334 or section 336; and
(b)
every plan furnished to the court pursuant to section 296M or section 319A or section 335.
Section 339(a): amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 339(a): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 45(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 339(b): amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 339(b): amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 45(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Written statement of terms of orders
340 Written statement of terms of certain orders to be given to young person
(1)
After making an order under paragraph (ja), (jb), (jc), (k), (l), (m), (n), or (o) of section 283 or under section 296G, the court must, before the young person leaves the court, cause a written statement to be supplied to the young person to whom the order relates, and to the barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the young person, specifying—
(a)
the terms and conditions of the order (for example, in the case of an intensive supervision order under section 296G, any additional curfew and electronic monitoring conditions under section 296J):
(b)
if the young person’s compliance with any of the conditions of the order is to be monitored judicially in accordance with a direction under section 308A, the terms of that direction:
(c)
in the case of an order under section 283(n) or (o), the reasons for the making of that order:
(d)
in the case of an intensive supervision order under section 296G that is subject to additional curfew and electronic monitoring conditions under section 296J, the reasons for the imposition of that additional electronic monitoring condition:
(e)
possible consequences of a failure to comply with the order:
(f)
provisions for variation of the order:
(g)
rights of appeal against the order or the finding on which the order was based.
(2)
However, subsection (1) applies to an order made under section 283(ja) only if that order is made in respect of, and requires attendance at a parenting education programme by, a young person who is, or is soon to be, a parent or guardian or other person having the care of a child.
(3)
The court may for the purposes of subsection (1) direct that the young person must remain at the court for a period, not exceeding 1 hour, that may be necessary to enable the statement to be supplied to the young person.
(4)
If it is not practicable to supply a written statement to the young person before the young person leaves the court, the statement must be supplied to the young person, and to the barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing that young person, as soon as practicable.
Compare: 1985 No 120 s 58
Section 340: replaced, on 1 October 2010, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Part 6 Appeals
Appeals from decisions of Family Court
Heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
341 Rights of appeal against decisions of Family Court
(1)
This subsection applies to a decision of the Family Court, in proceedings under this Act, to—
(a)
make or refuse to make an order (other than an interlocutory or interim order); or
(b)
dismiss the proceedings; or
(c)
otherwise finally determine the proceedings.
(2)
A party to proceedings in which there is made a decision to which subsection (1) applies, a child or young person to whom the proceedings relate, or any other person prejudicially affected by the decision, may appeal to the High Court against the decision.
(3)
A party to proceedings under this Act in the Family Court in which an interlocutory or interim order is made, a child or young person to whom the proceedings relate, or any other person prejudicially affected by the order, may, with the leave of the Family Court, appeal to the High Court against the order.
(4)
An appeal under this section may be from the whole or part of the decision or order concerned.
Section 341: replaced, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
Section 341 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 341(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 341(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
342 Procedure for bringing appeal
[Repealed]Section 342: repealed, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
343 Notice of appeal to be given to local principal manager
Except where the appellant is the chief executive, notice of the fact that an appeal has been lodged under section 341(2) shall be given forthwith by the Registrar of the High Court to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the court appealed from is situated.
Section 343 heading: amended, on 1 April 1992, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Social Security Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 15).
Section 343: amended, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
Section 343: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
344 Notice of appeal not to affect orders unless court otherwise directs
Except where the court making the order appealed from otherwise directs, the operation of an order made under this Act shall not be suspended by an appeal under section 341, and every order made under this Act may be enforced in the same manner in all respects as if no appeal under that section were pending.
Compare: 1980 No 94 s 174(9)
345 Interim custody order pending appeal
(1)
Any party to an appeal under section 341(2) may apply to the court appealed from or to the High Court for an order relating to the custody of the child or young person to whom the appeal relates pending the determination of the appeal, and the court may make the order on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
(2)
Every order made under subsection (1) shall come into force on the day on which it is made and, unless sooner revoked, shall remain in force until the appeal is finally determined by the High Court.
(3)
An order made under subsection (1) shall have effect as if it were an order made under section 78, and the provisions of sections 79 to 82 shall apply with respect to the order with such modifications as may be necessary.
(4)
The High Court may at any time on the application of any party to the appeal or of its own motion vary, modify, or revoke any order made under subsection (1) or vary, modify, or revoke any term or condition of the order.
Section 345(1): amended, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
346 Procedure on appeal
(1)
The High Court Rules 2016 and sections 126 to 129 of the District Court Act 2016, with all necessary modifications, apply to an appeal under section 341 as if it were an appeal under section 124 of that Act.
(2)
On the ex parte application of the appellant, the Family Court may order that the appellant must not be required under section 126(1) of the District Court Act 2016 to give the Registrar of the High Court security for costs.
(3)
Sections 156, 157, and 166 to 169, with all necessary modifications, apply to the hearing in the High Court of an appeal under section 341.
(4)
Subsections (2) and (3) and sections 207O and 207U override subsection (1).
Section 346: replaced, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
Section 346(1): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 346(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
347 Appeal to Court of Appeal
(1)
A party to an appeal under section 341 may, with the leave of the Court of Appeal, appeal to the Court of Appeal against all or part of any determination of the High Court made in the appeal.
(2)
On the appeal, the Court of Appeal has the same power to adjudicate the High Court had.
Section 347: replaced, on 1 January 2004, by section 47 of the Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53).
348 Determination of appeals
(1)
[Repealed](2)
Every decision of the High Court shall have effect as if it were a decision or order made by the Family Court and all the provisions of this Act (except sections 341 to 347) shall apply in respect of every such decision of the High Court accordingly.
(3)
[Repealed]Section 348(1): repealed, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
Section 348(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 348(3): repealed, on 1 January 2004, by section 48(2) of the Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53).
349 Court may refer appeals back for reconsideration
[Repealed]Section 349: repealed, on 24 November 2003, by section 4 of the District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63).
350 Decision of High Court to be sent to principal manager
(1)
The Registrar of the High Court must send a copy of every decision that the High Court gives under section 348 to the relevant principal manager of the department.
(2)
Notice of the fact that an appeal has not been proceeded with shall be given by the Registrar of the High Court to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the High Court is situated.
Section 350 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 43(1)(a) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 350 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 43(1)(b) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 350(1): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 43(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 350(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 350(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Appeals from decisions of Youth Court
351 Appeals from decisions of Youth Court by young person
(1)
Every young person who has been found by the Youth Court to have committed an offence may appeal to the High Court against—
(a)
the finding of the court:
(b)
any order made by the court based on that finding:
(c)
both the finding of the court and any order made based on that finding.
(1A)
For the purposes of subsection (1), an order made by the court based on that finding includes, without limitation, an order varying, or made in substitution for, an earlier order made by the court based on that finding.
(2)
A young person may not appeal against a finding of the court until the young person has been dealt with by the court under section 283.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (2) shall prevent a young person who has not been dealt with by the court under section 283 within 1 month after the date of the finding of the court from appealing against the finding of the court.
(4)
In any case where a young person has not been dealt with by the court under section 283 within 1 month after the date of the finding of the court and has not appealed to the High Court under subsection (3), the young person may appeal to the High Court in accordance with subsection (1) after the court has made any order or imposed any sentence on the young person.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 53(1), (2); 1980 No 87 s 2
Section 351(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 351(1A): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 47 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
352 Appeal by parents or guardians or other persons having care of young person
Any parent or guardian or other person having the care of a young person may appeal to the High Court against—
(a)
any order made by the Youth Court under section 283(k) or (m) or (n) in respect of that young person:
(ab)
an order made under section 297B(5) placing that young person in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service to enable the provision to that young person of a programme that that young person is required by an order under section 283(jc) to attend:
(ac)
an order made under section 307(4) placing that young person in the custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service to enable the provision to that young person of a programme or activity that that young person is required by a condition of an order under section 307(1) to take part in or undertake:
(ad)
an intensive supervision order made under section 296G in respect of that young person:
(b)
any order made under section 283(e) requiring that parent or guardian to pay a sum towards the cost of the prosecution:
(c)
any order made under section 283(f) requiring that parent or guardian to make reparation to any person:
(d)
any order made under section 283(g) requiring that parent or guardian to make restitution:
(e)
an order made under section 283(ja) requiring that parent or guardian or other person having the care of that young person to attend a parenting education programme.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 54; 1982 No 135 s 12
Section 352(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 352(ab): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 48(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 352(ac): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 48(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 352(ad): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 48(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 352(e): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 48(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
353 Appeal by persons other than young person dealt with in Youth Court
(1)
Any person, other than a young person, who is convicted in the Youth Court of any offence may appeal to the High Court against—
(a)
the conviction:
(b)
any sentence of the court based on the conviction:
(c)
both the conviction and any sentence of the court based on the conviction.
(2)
No appeal against a conviction may be brought under subsection (1) until the person convicted has been sentenced or otherwise dealt with.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 55
Section 353(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
354 Appeal on a point of law only
(1)
Any person entitled to appeal under section 351 or section 352 or section 353 against any finding, sentence, or order of the Youth Court, may appeal against the finding, sentence, or order as being erroneous in point of law to the High Court on a question of law only.
(2)
The prosecutor in any proceedings before the Youth Court may appeal against any finding, sentence, or order made in those proceedings as being erroneous in point of law to the High Court on a question of law only.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 56
Section 354(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 354(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 354(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 354(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
355 Application of Part 6 of Criminal Procedure Act 2011
(1)
The provisions of Part 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011,—
(a)
so far as they relate to appeals against conviction and sentence, apply as far as applicable with the necessary modifications to every appeal under section 351, 352, or 353 of this Act:
(b)
so far as they relate to appeals on questions of law only, apply as far as applicable with the necessary modifications to every appeal under section 354 of this Act.
(2)
Subsection (1) is subject to this Part.
(3)
In the application of the provisions of Part 6 of that Act, those provisions must be read as if—
(a)
references to the District Court were references to the Youth Court; and
(b)
[Repealed](c)
references to a District Court Judge or Justice or Justices or Community Magistrate or Community Magistrates were references to a Youth Court Judge exercising jurisdiction in the Youth Court.
Section 355: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 355(3)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 355(3)(b): repealed, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 355(3)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
356 Effect of notice of appeal on certain orders
(1)
The operation of any order made by the Youth Court under paragraph (k) or paragraph (l) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of section 283 shall not be affected by the filing of a notice of appeal relating to the order, unless the Youth Court Judge who presided over the court making the order or, if that Youth Court Judge is not available, some other Youth Court Judge exercising jurisdiction in the Youth Court, on application by the appellant, directs that the operation of the order shall be suspended pending the determination of the appeal.
(2)
Notice of any application or direction under subsection (1) shall be given by the Registrar to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the court is situated.
(3)
Where a direction is given under subsection (1) in respect of any order, the period of the order shall cease to run from the date of the direction.
Section 356(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 356(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 356(3): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
357 Application of section 329 to hearing of appeal
The provisions of section 329, with all necessary modifications, shall apply to the hearing in the High Court of any appeal against a decision of the Youth Court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 59
Section 357: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
358 Presence of young person at hearing of appeal
(1)
On the hearing of any appeal relating to an order under paragraph (k) or paragraph (l) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of section 283 (not being an appeal on a point of law only), the young person, if the young person is then, pursuant to that order, under the supervision of the chief executive or any other person or organisation, or, as the case may be, is in the custody of the chief executive, shall be entitled to be present unless the High Court or a Judge of that court otherwise directs.
(2)
On the hearing of any appeal relating to an order made under section 283(n) (being an appeal on a point of law only), the young person, if the young person is then in the custody of the chief executive, shall not be entitled to be present except with the leave of the High Court or a Judge of that court.
(3)
Where under this section a young person is entitled to be present in the High Court on the hearing of any appeal, the person having custody of that young person may, without further authority than this subsection, cause that young person to be taken to the High Court for the hearing.
(4)
Where any appeal relating to a young person is made under this Part, the High Court or a Judge of that court may order that the young person shall be present at the hearing.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 60
Section 358(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 358(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
359 Presence of parents at hearing of appeal from decisions of Youth Court
(1)
Where any appeal relating to a young person is made under this Part from a decision of the Youth Court, the High Court or a Judge of that court may order that any parent or guardian of the young person, or any person having the care of the young person, shall be present at the hearing, and may further order that that parent, guardian, or other person shall bring the young person with that person.
(2)
Where, pursuant to subsection (1), the High Court or a Judge of that court orders any person to be present at any hearing, the Registrar of that court shall cause every person so ordered to be present to be served with written notice of the time and place at which that person is required to attend.
(3)
If any person fails to attend at the High Court in accordance with an order made under subsection (1), the court may direct the issue of a warrant to arrest that person and bring that person before the court.
(4)
At the hearing of any such appeal, any parent or guardian of the young person, or any person having the care of the young person, may be examined in respect of any matter relating to the proceedings.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 61
Section 359(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
360 Notification of appeal and result of appeal to local principal manager
(1)
Where any appeal under this Part relates to an order made under paragraph (k) or paragraph (m) or paragraph (n) of section 283, an additional copy of the notice of appeal shall be filed, and the Registrar of the Youth Court shall forthwith deliver or post that copy to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the court is situated.
(2)
Where the decision of the High Court on any such appeal has been given, the Registrar of the High Court shall send to that principal manager a certificate setting out the result of the appeal.
(3)
If an appeal is abandoned under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, the Registrar of the relevant appeal court must send a notice to that effect to the principal manager.
(4)
[Repealed]Compare: 1974 No 72 s 62
Section 360 heading: amended, on 1 April 1992, pursuant to section 4(f) of the Social Security Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 15).
Section 360(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 360(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 360(3): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 360(4): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Part 7 Children and young persons in care of chief executive or other persons or bodies
Part 7 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, pursuant to section 11(3) of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
361 Application of sections 362, 364, 365, 387, 390 to 392, 394, and 395
Sections 362, 364, 365, 387, 390 to 392, 394, and 395 apply to—
(a)
any child or young person who is placed in the care of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service pursuant to an agreement made under section 139 or section 140:
(b)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42:
(c)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service pursuant to an order made under section 78 or section 101:
(d)
any child or young person who is placed under the sole guardianship of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service pursuant to an order made under section 110:
(e)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of an iwi social service or a cultural social service pursuant to section 234(c)(ii):
(f)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 235:
(g)
any child or young person who is ordered to be detained in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service pursuant to section 238(1)(d):
(h)
any young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to a supervision with residence order made under section 283(n):
(ha)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service pursuant to an order made under section 297B(5) or 307(4) (except that, under section 297B(7)(b) or 307(6)(b), section 365 does not apply to the child or young person):
(i)
any child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service pursuant to an order made under section 345.
Section 361(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 123 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 361(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(a): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 361(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(c): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 361(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(d): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 361(e): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 361(f): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(g): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(g): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 361(h): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(ha): inserted, on 12 December 2012, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
Section 361(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 361(i): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Placement of children and young persons
362 Children and young persons may be placed in care of approved persons
Subject to sections 43, 81, 104, and 114(2)(c), the chief executive or, as the case requires, an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service may place any child or young person (being a child or young person to whom this section applies) who is in the care or custody or under the guardianship of the chief executive or, as the case requires, that social service or that director in the charge of any person whom or organisation which the chief executive or, as the case requires, that social service or that director considers suitable to provide for that child’s or young person’s care, control, and upbringing.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 67
Section 362: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 362: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
363 Payment to person or organisation providing care
(1)
The chief executive shall from time to time determine the rates of payment to persons and organisations in whose charge a child or young person is placed pursuant to section 362.
(1A)
The purpose of a payment is to meet the reasonable needs of the child or young person.
(2)
Where, pursuant to section 362, any person (being the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service) places a child or young person in the charge of a person or organisation, it is the duty of the first-mentioned person to ensure that the payments specified in subsection (1) are made and that any additional payments necessary to meet the reasonable needs of the child or young person are made.
(3)
Subject to any limits that are determined from time to time by the chief executive, the chief executive or, as the case requires, an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service may make payments under this section at a higher rate in cases where there is special need.
(4)
Subsections (1) to (3) do not apply, and must be treated as never having applied, in respect of a child’s or young person’s placement with their parent (before or after the commencement of this subsection) if—
(a)
the child or young person is or was a child or young person to whom section 361 applies or applied; and
(b)
under section 362, the child or young person is or was placed in the charge of the parent.
(5)
The minimum rates of payment determined under subsection (1) in respect of the board and lodgings of children and young persons must be adjusted, by Order in Council, as at 1 April each year so that in each case the new rate is the rate as at that date adjusted by any percentage movement upwards in the Consumers Price Index (all groups) between the Consumers Price Index (all groups) for the quarter ended with 31 December 1 year before the immediately preceding 31 December and the Consumers Price Index (all groups) for the quarter ended with the immediately preceding 31 December.
(6)
The adjustments (by any percentage movement upwards in the Consumers Price Index (all groups)) required under subsection (5) as at 1 April in any year from 2011 to 2021 (inclusive) must, despite subsections (5) and (9), be calculated,—
(a)
if, and insofar as, they relate to movements during quarters that end before 29 April 2010, using index numbers for those quarters of the Consumers Price Index (all groups); and
(b)
if, and insofar as, they relate to movements during quarters that end after 28 April 2010, using index numbers for those quarters of the Consumers Price Index (less cigarettes and tobacco subgroup) published by Statistics New Zealand or, if that index ceases to be published, any measure certified by the Government Statistician as being equivalent to that index.
(7)
An adjustment under subsection (5) must not reduce the weekly amounts payable under subsection (1) in respect of the board and lodgings of children and young persons.
(8)
Every Order in Council made under subsection (5) comes into force or is considered to have come into force on 1 April of the calendar year in which it is made, and applies to the rates payable in respect of the board and lodgings of children and young persons on and after that date.
(9)
In this section, Consumers Price Index (all groups) means the Consumers Price Index (all groups) published by Statistics New Zealand or, if that index ceases to be published, any measure certified by the Government Statistician as being equivalent to that index.
(10)
The following are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements):
(a)
a determination under subsection (1):
(b)
an order under subsection (5).
(11)
An order under subsection (5) commences in accordance with that subsection, even if it is not yet published.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 68
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (10)(a) | ||||
| Publication | It is not required to be published | LA19 s 73(2) | ||
| Presentation | It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (10)(b) | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 363(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 363(1A): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 124 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 363(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 363(2): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 363(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 363(3): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 363(4): inserted, on 24 August 2010, by section 4(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102).
Section 363(4): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 363(5): inserted, on 27 September 2010, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102).
Section 363(5): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Section 363(6): inserted, on 27 September 2010, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102).
Section 363(6): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Section 363(6): amended, on 31 May 2016, by section 6 of the Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 25).
Section 363(6): amended, on 24 October 2012, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Indexation—Budget Measures) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 78).
Section 363(6)(a): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Section 363(6)(b): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Section 363(7): inserted, on 27 September 2010, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102).
Section 363(8): inserted, on 27 September 2010, by section 4(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102).
Section 363(9): replaced, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Section 363(10): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 363(11): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Residences
364 Authority to establish residences
(1)
The chief executive, with the approval of the Minister, may from time to time establish and maintain under this Act residences of such number and type as in the opinion of the chief executive may be required for the purpose of providing for the care and control of children and young persons to whom this section applies, and, in particular, shall endeavour to establish a sufficient range of residences to cater effectively for the variety of special needs of such children and young persons.
(1A)
When deciding the number, types, and range of residences to be established and maintained, the chief executive must consider establishing a sufficient number, sufficient types, and a sufficient range of community-based residences to be available for children and young persons who are detained in the chief executive’s custody under section 238(1)(d).
(2)
In particular, and without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the chief executive may, with the approval of the Minister, establish and maintain residences for any of the following purposes:
(a)
remand, observation, assessment, classification, and short-term training purposes:
(b)
the provision of a variety of programmes of special training and rehabilitation:
(c)
the provision of periodic training, of recreational, educational, or vocational activities, or of work either in a residence or in the community under supervision:
(d)
the provision of secure care.
(3)
It is hereby declared that every residence that the chief executive is authorised to establish under this Act is a public work within the meaning of the Public Works Act 1981.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 69
Section 364(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 364(1A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 125 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 364(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 364(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
364A Residence management committees
[Repealed]Section 364A: repealed, on 1 April 1991, by section 4(1) of the Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 4).
364B Functions of residence management committees
[Repealed]Section 364B: repealed, on 1 April 1991, by section 4(1) of the Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 4).
365 Chief executive may place children and young persons in residences
(1)
The chief executive may place any child or young person to whom this section applies (being a child or young person who is in the care or custody or under the sole guardianship of the chief executive) in a residence established under section 364.
(2)
In exercising the power conferred by subsection (1), the chief executive shall have regard to the purposes and principles of this Act (as set out in sections 4, 4A, and 5) and to the principles set out in section 13 or, as the case may require, section 208.
(3)
The chief executive must consider all reasonably practicable less restrictive alternative placements that may be available and appropriate for the child before exercising the power conferred by subsection (1) to place in a youth justice residence (as defined in subsection (4)) a child—
(a)
aged 12 or 13 years; and
(b)
charged with an offence of the kind specified in section 272(1)(b) or (c); and
(c)
in respect of whom there is in force an order under section 238(1)(d) or 283(n).
(4)
Youth justice residence in subsection (3) means a residence established and maintained under section 364 for purposes that are or include remand, the provision of custody under supervision with residence orders made under section 283(n), or both.
(5)
This section is subject to sections 297B(7)(b) and 307(6)(b) (which ensure this section does not apply to children and young persons subject to custody orders under sections 297B(5) and 307(4)) and to section 312 (which requires the court’s approval for the placement in a residence, and for the transfer between residences, of a young person placed in the chief executive’s custody by an order under section 311).
Section 365 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 365(1): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 44 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 365(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 365(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 126(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 365(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 126(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 365(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 365(3): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 49 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 365(4): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 49 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 365(5): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 49 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 365(5): amended, on 12 December 2012, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99).
366 Closing of residences and transfer of residents
(1)
The chief executive may at any time, with the Minister’s approval, direct the closing of any residence established under section 364, and may transfer the children and young persons in any such residence to any other residence under this Act, or place any such children and young persons in the care of any person or organisation pursuant to section 362.
(2)
This section is subject to section 312 (which requires the court’s approval for the placement in a residence, and for the transfer between residences, of a young person placed in the chief executive’s custody by an order under section 311).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 71
Section 366(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 366(2): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 50 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Secure care
367 Secure care
Subject to sections 368 and 370 and to any regulations made under section 447, the chief executive may, in relation to any child or young person (not being a child or young person to whom section 361(a) applies) who is placed in a residence established under section 364, place the child or young person in secure care in that residence.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49AA(a); 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 367: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
368 Grounds for placement in secure care
(1)
A child or young person may be placed in secure care in a residence if, and only if, such placement is necessary—
(a)
to prevent the child or young person absconding from the residence where any 2 of the conditions specified in subsection (2) apply; or
(b)
to prevent the child or young person from behaving in a manner likely to cause physical harm to that child or young person or to any other person.
(2)
The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)
the child or young person has, on 1 or more occasions within the preceding 6 months, absconded from a residence or from Police custody:
(b)
there is a real likelihood that the child or young person will abscond from the residence:
(c)
the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the child or young person is likely to be harmed if the child or young person absconds from the residence.
Section 368: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
369 Notice to be given where child or young person placed in secure care
(1)
Where any child or young person is placed in secure care, the chief executive shall give notice that the child or young person has been placed in secure care to—
(a)
at least 1 of the following persons:
(i)
a parent of the child or young person:
(ii)
a guardian (other than the chief executive) of the child or young person:
(iii)
any other person previously having the care of the child or young person:
(b)
any person nominated by the child or young person, in accordance with regulations made under section 447, to receive any such notice:
(c)
either—
(i)
any barrister or solicitor who represents the child or young person; or
(ii)
any youth advocate appointed under section 323 to represent the child or young person.
(2)
Every notice under subsection (1) shall be given—
(a)
where practicable, by telephone forthwith on the placing of the child or young person in secure care; and
(b)
by letter in accordance with subsection (3).
(3)
Every notice under subsection (1) that is given by letter shall—
(a)
be sent not later than 24 hours after the child or young person is placed in secure care; and
(b)
specify the ground for placing the child or young person in secure care; and
(c)
contain a clear statement of—
(i)
the right to apply under section 380 for a review of the placement of a child or young person in secure care; and
(ii)
the procedure for applying for such a review.
(4)
Any notice required by this section to be given to any person by letter shall be deemed to have been received by that person when the letter would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post, and in proving that the notice was given it shall be sufficient to prove that the letter was properly addressed and posted.
Section 369(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 369(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
370 Time limits on detention in secure care
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), no child or young person shall be kept in secure care on more than 3 consecutive days (whether continuously or not) commencing on the day on which the child or young person is first placed in secure care, unless an approval has been granted under section 376.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), no child or young person (being a child or young person who is placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 42 or section 235) shall be kept in secure care for a continuous period of more than 24 hours unless an approval has been granted under section 376.
(3)
In calculating, for the purposes of subsection (2), the period for which a child or young person has been kept in secure care, any period spent in secure care on any of the following days shall not be included:
(a)
Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, Waitangi Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, or the second day of January:
(ab)
if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday:
(b)
the day observed as the anniversary of the province in which the residence in which the child or young person is detained is situated:
(c)
any day that is a public holiday in the place in which that residence is situated.
Section 370(1): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 16(a) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 370(1): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 16(b) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 370(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 370(3)(a): amended, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
Section 370(3)(ab): inserted, on 1 January 2014, by section 8 of the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19).
371 Application for approval for continued detention in secure care
(1)
Where a child or young person is placed in secure care pursuant to section 367, the chief executive may apply to the Family Court or the Youth Court or, where it is not practicable to apply to the Family Court or the Youth Court, to the District Court for approval for the continued detention of that child or young person in secure care.
(2)
Where any application is made under subsection (1), the chief executive shall give written notice of the application to the following persons:
(a)
the child or young person in respect of whom the application is made:
(b)
each parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(c)
any person who had the care of the child or young person immediately before the child or young person was placed in the residence:
(d)
any other person specified by the court.
(3)
Where notice of an application cannot be given to any person to whom paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) of subsection (2) applies, the court may, on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, dispense with the giving of notice to that person.
Section 371(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 371(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 371(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
372 Registrar may authorise continued detention in secure care until application is determined
(1)
Where an application is made under section 371(1) in respect of a child or young person, the Registrar of the court in which that application is filed may, on the ex parte application of the chief executive, make an order authorising the continued detention of that child or young person in secure care.
(2)
An order made under subsection (1) in respect of a child or young person shall, notwithstanding anything in section 370, be sufficient authority to detain that child or young person in secure care until—
(a)
the application made under section 371(1) in respect of that child or young person is finally determined; or
(b)
the expiry of the period of 3 days commencing on the date on which that application is made—
whichever first occurs.
(3)
A Registrar shall not make an order under subsection (1) in respect of a child or young person unless that Registrar is satisfied that it is necessary, on either or both of the grounds specified in section 368, to detain that child or young person in secure care pending the determination of an application under section 371(1).
(4)
Where an order is made under subsection (1), any person affected by that order may apply at any time for the discharge of that order.
(5)
The provisions of section 378 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every order made under subsection (1) as if such an order were the decision of a court on an application made under section 371.
(6)
The provisions of section 379 shall apply, with all necessary modifications, with respect to every order made under subsection (1) as if such an order were an approval granted by a court under section 376.
Section 372(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
373 Persons entitled to be present at hearing of application under section 371
(1)
No person shall be present during the hearing of an application under section 371 in respect of a child or young person except—
(a)
officers of the court:
(b)
the child or young person:
(c)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(d)
any near relative of the child or young person:
(e)
any member of the child’s or young person’s whanau or family group:
(f)
any person who had the care of the child or young person immediately before the child or young person was placed in the residence:
(g)
any barrister or solicitor representing the child or young person or any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(h)
any lay advocate who appears in support of—
(i)
the child or young person; or
(ii)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(i)
the manager of the residence in which the child or young person is detained, or a representative of that manager:
(j)
the chief executive:
(k)
witnesses:
(ka)
persons whom the Judge permits to be present as support persons for any person described in paragraphs (b) to (f) on a request by that person:
(l)
any person whom the court permits to be present.
(1A)
The Judge must agree to a request under subsection (1)(ka) unless the Judge considers there is a good reason why the named support persons should not be permitted to be present.
(2)
Any witness and any support person whom the Judge permitted to be present under subsection (1)(ka) must, if asked to do so by the Judge, leave the courtroom or other room where the hearing is held.
(3)
Nothing in this section limits any other power of the court—
(a)
to hear the application in private; or
(b)
to permit a McKenzie friend to be present; or
(c)
to exclude any person from the court.
Section 373(1)(i): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 373(1)(j): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 373(1)(ka): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 7(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 373(1A): inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 7(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 373(2): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 7(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 373(3): replaced, on 18 May 2009, by section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
374 Right to make representations
(1)
On the hearing of an application under section 371 in respect of a child or young person, representations may be made to the court by—
(a)
the applicant, or any barrister or solicitor representing the applicant:
(b)
the child or young person:
(c)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(d)
any barrister or solicitor who represents the child or young person or any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(e)
any lay advocate who appears in support of—
(i)
the child or young person; or
(ii)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(f)
with the leave of the court, any other person.
(2)
Where a child or young person who is the subject of an application under section 371 is not represented by a barrister or solicitor, the court shall—
(a)
in the case of a young person to whom section 361(h) applies, appoint a youth advocate under section 323 to represent that young person, and the provisions of that section and of sections 324 and 325 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to that appointment:
(b)
in any other case, appoint a barrister or solicitor under section 159 to represent that child or young person, and the provisions of that section and of sections 161 and 162 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to that appointment.
375 Hearing to be held in residence wherever practicable
The hearing of an application under section 371 shall, where practicable, be held in the residence in which the child or young person to whom the application relates is detained.
376 Court may authorise continued detention in secure care
(1)
If, on an application under section 371 in respect of a child or young person, the court is satisfied that it is necessary, on either or both of the grounds specified in section 368, to detain the child or young person in secure care, the court may grant an approval authorising the continued detention of the child or young person in secure care.
(2)
In considering an application under section 371, the court may take into account any oral or documentary material that the court considers relevant, whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law.
(3)
On granting an approval under subsection (1), the court—
(a)
shall record in writing the reasons for granting the approval; and
(b)
may impose such conditions relating to the continued detention of the child or young person in secure care as the court thinks fit.
(4)
Subject to subsection (5), an approval granted under subsection (1) shall be valid for a period of 14 days commencing on the day on which it is granted, or such shorter period as the court may specify.
(5)
Notwithstanding subsection (4), where an application under section 371 relates to a child or young person who is remanded, by the High Court or the District Court, in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 173(2), 174(1), or 175(1A) or (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, the court may grant an approval under subsection (1) for such period (being more than 14 days but not more than 28 days) as the court shall specify, in any case where the court is satisfied that, because of the length of time for which the child or young person is likely to be detained in the chief executive’s custody, the public interest so requires. Any approval so granted shall be valid for the specified period commencing on the day on which it is granted.
Section 376(4): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 42(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 376(5): inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 42(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 376(5): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 15 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Section 376(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 376(5): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 376(5): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
377 Renewal of approval for continued detention in secure care
(1)
The court may from time to time grant a renewal of an approval granted under section 376(1) upon application made by the chief executive at any time before the approval (or any current renewal of that approval) has expired.
(2)
A renewal of an approval granted under section 376(1) may be granted under this section if the court is satisfied that the ground on which the approval was granted still obtains.
(3)
The provisions of section 371 and sections 373 to 376 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to an application for the renewal of an approval granted under section 376 as if it were an application under section 371.
(4)
Where an application for the renewal of an approval is duly made before the expiration of the approval (or of any current renewal of the approval), the approval shall, notwithstanding the expiration of the period for which the approval was granted or last renewed, continue in force until—
(a)
the application is determined; or
(b)
the expiration of the period of 3 days commencing on the date on which the approval would otherwise have expired pursuant to section 376,—
whichever first occurs.
(5)
Subsections (4) and (5) of section 376 shall apply with all necessary modifications with respect to the duration of the validity of a renewal granted under subsection (1) as if that renewal were an approval granted under subsection (1) of that section.
Section 377(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 377(5): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 43 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
378 Notification of decision of court
(1)
Where the decision of the court has been given on any application under section 371 or section 377, the Registrar of the court shall forthwith give notice in writing of the court’s decision to the following persons:
(a)
the child or young person to whom the application relates:
(b)
each parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(c)
any person who had the care of the child or young person immediately before the child or young person was placed in the residence:
(d)
the chief executive:
(e)
the manager of the residence in which the child or young person is detained:
(f)
any other person specified by the court.
(2)
Every such notice shall contain, where applicable,—
(a)
the reasons recorded by the court for granting the approval or the renewal of the approval:
(b)
any conditions imposed by the court on the continued detention of the child or young person.
Section 378(1)(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 378(1)(e): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
379 Review of decision to grant or renew approval
(1)
Where a court grants an approval under section 376, or grants a renewal of an approval under section 377, or imposes any condition under either of those sections relating to the continued detention of a child or young person in secure care, that court or the High Court may from time to time, on the application of the child or young person to whom the approval or condition relates, or any barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing that child or young person, review that decision.
(2)
The fact that an application for a review is lodged or is pending under this section shall not affect any approval to detain the child or young person in secure care, which approval shall, unless it sooner expires, continue pending the review.
(3)
On any review under this section the court may make such order as may be just.
380 Application for review of detention in secure care
(1)
Where a child or young person is placed in secure care pursuant to section 367, any of the persons specified in subsection (2) may, at any time before an application is made under section 371 in respect of that child or young person, apply to a Family Court Judge or a Youth Court Judge or, if neither a Family Court Judge nor a Youth Court Judge is available, a District Court Judge for a review of the decision to place that child or young person in secure care.
(2)
The following persons may make an application under subsection (1):
(a)
the child or young person who is placed in secure care:
(b)
any parent or guardian of the child or young person:
(c)
any person who had the care of the child or young person immediately before the child or young person was placed in a residence:
(d)
any barrister or solicitor or youth advocate representing the child or young person.
(3)
The fact that an application has been made under this section shall not affect any authority to detain the child or young person in secure care.
381 Notice of application for review of detention in secure care
(1)
Subject to subsection (3), where any application is made under section 380, the person making the application shall give written notice of the application to the manager of the residence in which the child or young person is detained in secure care and to such other persons (if any) as the court directs.
(2)
Every person who is given notice of an application under section 380 shall be entitled to appear and be heard on the hearing of the application.
(3)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), a review of a decision to place a child or young person in secure care may be made upon an ex parte application if the court is satisfied that the delay that would be caused by proceeding on notice would or might entail undue hardship.
Section 381(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
382 Disposal of application for review of detention in secure care
(1)
On an application under section 380 in respect of the detention of a child or young person in secure care, the court may—
(a)
order that the child or young person be released from secure care; or
(b)
refuse the application; or
(c)
refuse the application and impose such conditions relating to the detention of the child or young person in secure care as the court thinks fit.
(2)
In considering an application under section 380, the court may take into account any oral or documentary material that the court considers relevant, whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law.
383 Review of refusal of application
(1)
Where a court refuses an application under section 380, or refuses an application under that section and imposes any condition pursuant to section 382(1)(c), the applicant or any other person who would have been entitled, pursuant to section 380(2), to make that application may apply to the High Court to review that decision.
(2)
On any review under this section the High Court may make such order as may be just.
383A Lapse of authority for detention in secure care
Any authority conferred by or under any of sections 367 to 383 for the detention of a child or young person in secure care in a residence shall, unless it sooner expires, continue only for so long as the authority to detain that child or young person in that residence continues.
Section 383A: inserted, on 8 January 1995, by section 44 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Discipline
384 Discipline of children and young persons in residences
The chief executive may, in relation to any child or young person placed in a residence established under section 364, use such means to discipline the child or young person as are both—
(a)
reasonable; and
(b)
within the limits permitted by regulations made under this Act.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 49AA(b); 1983 No 129 s 13
Section 384: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Searches
Heading: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
384A Interpretation
For the purposes of sections 384B to 384K,—
harmful item means any article, drug, or substance that a member of staff has reasonable cause to believe is likely, while a child or young person is in a residence, to harm or to be used to harm that child or young person or any other person
mail includes—
(a)
a facsimile communication:
(b)
electronic mail:
(c)
an envelope or package
manager means the person for the time being in charge of a residence
member of staff means every person employed as a member of staff of a residence; and includes the manager of the residence
pat down search means a search of a clothed child or young person in a residence in which the person conducting the search may do the following:
(a)
run or pat the person’s hand over the body of the person being searched, whether inside or outside the clothing (other than any underclothing) of that person:
(b)
insert the person’s hand inside any pocket or pouch in the clothing (other than the underclothing) of the person being searched:
(c)
for the purpose of permitting a visual inspection, require the person being searched to do all or any of the following:
(i)
open the child’s or young person’s mouth:
(ii)
display the palms of the child’s or young person’s hands:
(iii)
display the soles of the child’s or young person’s feet:
(iv)
lift or rub the child’s or young person’s hair:
(v)
remove, raise, lower, or open any outer clothing (including, without limitation, any coat, jacket, jumper, or cardigan) worn by the person being searched, except where the person has no other clothing, or only underclothing, under that outer clothing:
(vi)
turn out any pocket or pouch, and display any hem, cuff, lining, or fold, in any outer clothing worn by that person:
(vii)
remove any head covering, gloves, or footwear (including socks or stockings) being worn by that person:
(d)
conduct a visual examination (whether assisted by any instrument or device designed to illuminate or magnify) of the person’s mouth, nose, and ears (not including the insertion of any instrument, device, or thing into such orifice)
regulations means regulations made under section 447 relating to search and seizure
residence means a residence established under section 364
scanner search means a search of a child or young person by means of an electronic device passed over the clothed body of the person being searched and that does not include any touching (except any accidental touching) of the person being searched
unauthorised item means any article, drug, or substance—
(a)
that is a harmful item; or
(b)
that may not be lawfully possessed by any child or young person in the residence.
Section 384A: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (c)(i): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (c)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (c)(iii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A pat down search paragraph (c)(iv): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384A strip search: repealed, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
384B Inspection of mail
The manager may cause to be inspected, in accordance with the regulations, any mail intended to be sent or received by a child or young person in the residence if the manager believes, on reasonable grounds, that the mail contains—
(a)
any unauthorised item; or
(b)
any harmful item or any article, drug, or substance that may not lawfully be possessed by the person for whom the mail was intended; or
(c)
any material that would or might facilitate or encourage the commission of an offence by the person for whom the mail was intended; or
(d)
any material that would be likely to be offensive or harmful to the person for whom the mail was intended.
Section 384B: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
384C Child or young person may be searched to detect unauthorised items
(1)
A member of staff, who believes on reasonable grounds that a child or young person in the residence has in their possession any unauthorised item, may carry out any of the following types of searches for the purpose of detecting that item:
(a)
a scanner search of the child or young person:
(b)
a pat down search of the child or young person:
(c)
a search of any room or sleeping area assigned to the child or young person.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1)(c) limits or affects any power or authority to search or inspect any room or sleeping area in the residence for security purposes.
(3)
A member of staff may not carry out a search unless—
(a)
that member of staff requests that the child or young person hand over the unauthorised item that he or she believes on reasonable grounds to be in the child’s or young person’s possession; and
(b)
the child or young person refuses or fails to hand the item over.
(4)
Nothing in subsection (3) requires that a member of staff make a request if the same request has been made to the child or young person within the previous hour.
Section 384C: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384C(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
384D Use of dogs for searching
(1)
In exercising a power of search conferred by sections 384B and 384C, a member of staff may have with the staff member, and use for the purposes of searching, any dog trained for that purpose.
(2)
A dog must not be used unless it is under the control of another person (being a Police employee, or a Customs officer, or a member of the Armed Forces, or an employee of the Department of Corrections), who may accompany the member of staff for the purposes of the search.
(3)
A member of staff who uses a dog for the purposes of searching any child or young person must conduct the search with decency and sensitivity and in a manner that—
(a)
affords to the child or young person being searched the greatest degree of dignity consistent with the purpose of the search; and
(b)
prevents the dog coming into physical contact with the child or young person during the search.
Section 384D: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384D(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 384D(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, by section 130(1) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
384E Child or young person may be strip searched
[Repealed]Section 384E: repealed, on 25 October 2025, by section 21 of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
384F Explanation of purpose and consequences of inspections and searches
(1)
Before any mail is inspected under section 384B or a search is carried out under section 384C, the member of staff who is to conduct the inspection or search must explain to the child or young person—
(a)
that the purpose of the inspection or search is,—
(i)
in the case of an inspection, to detect any item of the kinds referred to in section 384B; or
(ii)
in the case of a search carried out under section 384C, to ensure the safety of the child or young person by detecting any harmful item, or to detect any article, drug, or substance that may not be lawfully possessed by the child or young person in the residence; and
(iii)
[Repealed](b)
that any item seized during the inspection or search will, after consultation with the child or young person, be dealt with in the ways provided for by the regulations; and
(c)
that any item seized during the inspection or search and subsequently handed to a constable in accordance with the regulations may be used as evidence in criminal proceedings against the child or young person.
(2)
The explanation required by subsection (1) need not be given if the member of staff has reasonable grounds for believing that the situation involves a serious and immediate risk to the safety of the child or young person or of any other person.
Section 384F: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384F(1): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384F(1)(a)(ii): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384F(1)(a)(iii): repealed, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384F(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
384G Restrictions on searches
(1)
A member of staff must consult with the manager or a senior member of staff before carrying out a search under section 384C unless consultation would, in the circumstances, be impracticable.
(2)
A pat down search of a child or young person must be carried out by a member of staff who is of the same sex as the child or young person being searched.
(3)
A pat down search must not be carried out in view of—
(a)
a person who is not of the same sex as the child or young person, unless the person is a parent or guardian (other than the chief executive) of the child or young person or a person who would otherwise have the care of the child or young person:
(b)
another child or young person in the residence.
(4)
A pat down search must not be conducted unless one of the following persons is also present:
(a)
another member of staff:
(b)
a constable:
(c)
a parent or guardian (other than the chief executive) of the child or young person or a person who would otherwise have the care of the child or young person.
(5)
A person who conducts a pat down search must conduct the search with decency and sensitivity and in a manner that affords the child or young person being searched the greatest degree of privacy and dignity consistent with the purpose of the search.
Section 384G: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384G(1): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384G(2): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384G(3): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384G(4): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384G(4)(b): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 384G(5): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
384H Use of force in carrying out search
(1)
A member of staff may not use physical force in carrying out a search authorised by section 384C unless that member of staff has reasonable grounds for believing that the use of force is reasonably necessary to avoid or mitigate a serious and immediate risk to the safety of the child or young person or of any other person.
(2)
A member of staff who uses force for the purpose referred to in subsection (1) must use no more than the minimum amount of force that is reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
Section 384H: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384H(1): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
384I Recording of inspections and searches
The manager must ensure that a record is made in the daily log kept in accordance with the regulations of—
(a)
the details of any inspection or search carried out under sections 384B and 384C,including the grounds on which the inspection or search was carried out; and
(b)
in the case of a search carried out under section 384C, the details of any physical force used for the purpose of carrying out the search, and of the circumstances giving rise to the use of force.
Section 384I: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384I(a): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384I(b): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
384J Child or young person may make complaint
A child or young person who has had their mail inspected under section 384B or has been searched under section 384C may make a complaint about that inspection or search in accordance with the regulations.
Section 384J: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384J: amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 384J: amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
384K Power to seize articles, etc, found on inspection or search
(1)
Any unauthorised item found during any inspection or search may be seized in accordance with the regulations by the member of staff referred to in subsection (2).
(2)
The member of staff of the residence referred to in subsection (1) is,—
(a)
in the case of an inspection carried out under section 384B, the member of staff conducting the inspection; or
(b)
in the case of a search carried out under section 384C, the member of staff who is conducting the search.
(c)
[Repealed](3)
Any unauthorised item seized must be dealt with in accordance with the regulations.
(4)
The manager must ensure that a record is made in the daily log kept in accordance with the regulations of the details of the seizure of any unauthorised item and of the action taken in respect of it.
Section 384K: inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 384K(2)(c): repealed, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Absconding by children and young persons
385 Children and young persons who abscond
(1)
This section applies to any child or young person who—
(a)
leaves or is taken without authority from a residence:
(b)
refuses or neglects to return to a residence:
(c)
leaves or is taken without authority from the care of any person or organisation in whose charge that child or young person was placed pursuant to section 362:
(d)
refuses or neglects to return to the care of any such person or organisation.
(2)
Any child or young person to whom this section applies may be detained without warrant by any constable or the chief executive (acting through the chief executive’s delegate) and returned to any residence or to the care of any person or organisation, as the case may be, or otherwise dealt with in accordance with this Act.
(3)
A child or young person to whom this section applies, unless that child or young person was being detained pursuant to section 238(1)(d) or (e) or section 34A of the Corrections Act 2004, does not, by reason only of an act or omission referred to in subsection (1), commit an offence against section 120 of the Crimes Act 1961.
(4)
For the purpose of detaining without warrant any child or young person who leaves or is taken without authority from a residence under this Act, every member of the staff of any such residence shall, if it is administered by the Crown, have the powers conferred on the chief executive by subsection (2).
(5)
Subsection (6) applies if a young person in respect of whom a supervision with residence order is made under section 283(n)—
(a)
leaves or is taken without authority from a residence; or
(b)
refuses or neglects to return to a residence.
(6)
The chief executive must make all reasonable efforts to notify each victim of the offence committed by the young person that the young person has absconded from the residence.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 104; 1977 No 126 s 18(2)
Section 385(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 385(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 385(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 385(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 385(4): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 385(5): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 385(6): inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
386 Search warrants
(1)
An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012) who, on application in writing verified in accordance with section 99 of that Act by any constable or the chief executive, is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a child or young person to whom section 385 applies is for the time being at any known premises or place, may issue a warrant authorising any constable or the chief executive to—
(a)
enter and search, by force if necessary, any such premises or place specified in the warrant; and
(b)
remove the child or young person, using such force as may reasonably be necessary; and
(c)
either—
(i)
in the case of a child or young person who has absconded or is absent from a residence, return that child or young person to the residence from which that child or young person absconded or from which that child or young person is absent or place that child or young person in any other residence under this Act; or
(ii)
in the case of a child or young person who has absconded or is absent from the care of any person or organisation in whose charge that child or young person was placed pursuant to section 362, return that child or young person to the care of that person or organisation.
(1A)
The function of executing a warrant issued in the name of the chief executive may be performed by a social worker or any other person authorised under a delegation to carry out that function (see section 7C).
(2)
[Repealed]Compare: 1974 No 72 s 104A; 1982 No 135 s 17
Section 386(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 386(1): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 207(3) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 386(1): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 386(1A): inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 386(2): repealed, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
Moving to independence
Heading: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 127 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAA Interpretation
For the purposes of this section and sections 386AAB to 386C,—
caregiver means either—
(a)
a person in whose charge a young person aged under 18 years has been placed under section 362; or
(b)
a person with whom a young person who is a young adult (aged 18 years or over but under 21 years) is living under section 386AAD
young person means a young person within the meaning given in section 2(1) and,—
(a)
for the purposes of sections 386AAD, 386C, and 447(1)(cb) and (da), includes a young adult who is aged 18 years or over but under 21 years:
(b)
for the purposes of sections 386A and 447(1)(cc) and (da), includes a young adult who is aged 18 years or over but under 25 years.
Section 386AAA: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAB Purposes
The purposes of sections 386AAC to 386C are—
(a)
to prepare young persons to be ready to thrive as independent young adults and for the preparation for moving to independence to begin early:
(b)
to ensure that young persons have opportunities to have relationships with caregivers and other trusted adults that endure into adulthood:
(c)
to enable young persons to access the government and community support that they need to manage challenges and to grow and develop as adults.
Section 386AAB: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAC Principles to be applied when assisting young person to move to independence
A person who is performing functions or exercising powers under sections 386AAD to 386C to assist a young person to move to independence must be guided by, in relation to a young person aged under 18 years, the principles in section 5, in relation to a young adult aged 18 years or over, the principle in section 5(1)(a) only, and in both cases the following principles:
(a)
the young person is to increasingly lead decisions about matters affecting them and is to be supported by adults to do this:
(b)
a holistic approach is to be taken and the young person’s strengths and identity are to be built on and nurtured:
(c)
the relationships between the young person and their family, whānau, hapū, iwi, and family group are, if appropriate, to be maintained and strengthened:
(d)
family, whānau, hapū, iwi, family groups, and communities are to be supported to help the young person move to independence:
(e)
the relationships between the young person and a caregiver, other trusted adults, and the wider community are to be established, built on, and maintained:
(f)
the young person is to be supported, to the extent that is reasonable and practicable, to address the impact of harm and to achieve and meet their aspirations and needs, with priority to be given to supporting the stability of their education:
(g)
assistance to the young person is to be provided proactively, promptly, and to be sustained regardless of the decisions that the young person makes.
Section 386AAC: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAD Young persons entitled to live with caregiver up to age of 21 years
(1)
This section applies to any young person (as defined in section 386AAA) who, after the age of 14 years and 9 months, is or has been, at any time for a continuous period of at least 3 months, in 1 or both of the following types of care or custody:
(a)
the care or custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service under any agreement or order referred to in section 361(a), (c), or (d):
(b)
the care of the chief executive as the agent of the court under section 33(1)(c)(ii) of the Care of Children Act 2004.
(2)
The young person is entitled to be supported to live with a caregiver at any time and for any period from the age of 18 years up to the age of 21 years and may request to do so at any time.
(3)
Before the young person leaves care or custody, the chief executive must advise them of the entitlements under subsection (2).
(4)
The young person is entitled to be supported by the chief executive to live with or return to living with a particular caregiver with whom they are placed or have previously been placed or lived unless—
(a)
the caregiver does not agree to have the young person live with them or is not otherwise available; or
(b)
the young person does not agree to live with that caregiver; or
(c)
after taking into account the expressed wishes of the young person, the chief executive considers that living with that caregiver is likely to be detrimental to the well-being of the young person.
(5)
If no caregiver is available under subsection (4), the young person is entitled to be supported by the chief executive to live with another caregiver but only if, in relation to a particular caregiver, subsection (4)(b) or (c) does not apply.
(6)
If a young person is living with a caregiver under subsection (4) or (5) or this subsection and at some time during the course of that living arrangement any of the matters in subsection (4)(a) to (c) come to apply, the young person is entitled to be supported by the chief executive to live with another caregiver but only if, in relation to a particular caregiver, subsection (4)(b) or (c) does not apply.
Section 386AAD: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAE Providing support to young persons to negotiate support arrangements and monitoring of support arrangements
(1)
If a young person is to live with a caregiver under section 386AAD, the chief executive must provide them with support to negotiate and agree the terms on which they will live with that caregiver.
(2)
The agreed terms must be recorded in writing (the support arrangement).
(3)
The support arrangement must—
(a)
be consistent with the purposes in section 386AAB; and
(b)
give effect to the principles in section 386AAC; and
(c)
meet the standards referred to in subsection (4); and
(d)
be approved by the chief executive.
(4)
The chief executive must monitor the operation of all support arrangements against standards set in regulations made under section 447(1)(cb).
Section 386AAE: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAF Role of caregivers under support arrangements
A caregiver is expected to—
(a)
act in accordance with the support arrangement; and
(b)
assist the young person who is living with them to become increasingly independent.
Section 386AAF: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386AAG Financial assistance for support arrangements
(1)
The chief executive must provide financial assistance to a young person who lives with a caregiver under section 386AAD to meet reasonable costs associated with living with the caregiver, but only if the chief executive has first considered—
(a)
what other financial assistance is available to the young person; and
(b)
the personal circumstances of the young person.
(2)
The financial assistance must be paid directly to the young person unless the chief executive considers it appropriate to pay all or any of it to the young person’s caregiver or other person.
(3)
Financial assistance paid under this section must be paid in accordance with any regulations made under section 447(1)(da).
(4)
Financial assistance may be withdrawn if,—
(a)
during the course of monitoring a support arrangement, the chief executive considers that the living arrangement is detrimental to the young person’s well-being; and
(b)
the chief executive has attempted to resolve any concerns; and
(c)
another living arrangement (with a caregiver under section 386AAD) has been offered to the young person, but it has been refused.
(5)
If another living arrangement is offered under subsection (4)(c), sections 386AAD to 386AAF and this section apply.
Section 386AAG: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 128 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386A Advice and assistance for young persons up to age of 25 years
(1)
This section applies to any young person (as defined in section 386AAA) who, after the age of 14 years and 9 months, is or has been, at any time for a continuous period of at least 3 months, in 1 or more of the following types of care or custody:
(a)
a residential placement under section 234(c)(ii) or (iii), 235, 238(1)(d), 307(4), or 311:
(aa)
Police custody under section 236 or 238(1)(e):
(ab)
detention in a youth unit of a prison under section 238(1)(f):
(b)
the care or custody of the chief executive, an iwi social service, a cultural social service, or the director of a child and family support service under any agreement or order referred to in section 361(a), (c), or (d):
(c)
the care of the chief executive as the agent of the court under section 33(1)(c)(ii) of the Care of Children Act 2004:
(d)
under remand or a prison sentence in the adult justice system (before turning 18).
(2)
A person (including the chief executive), a body, or an organisation that has the care or custody of the young person must, before the young person leaves that care or custody,—
(a)
assess what support by way of advice and assistance the young person will need to become and remain independent after they are no longer in that care or custody; and
(b)
provide or arrange for the provision of that support to that young person to the extent that the support reasonably relates to the period before the young person leaves the care or custody; and
(c)
advise the young person of their entitlements under subsection (4) and section 386B.
(3)
A person (excluding the chief executive), a body, or an organisation that has the care or custody of the young person must, before the young person leaves that care or custody, provide a copy of the assessment made under subsection (2)(a) to the chief executive and advise the chief executive of the date on which the young person will leave that care or custody.
(4)
The young person is entitled to support by way of advice or assistance from the chief executive (see section 386B) at any time from when they leave care or custody up to the age of 25 years and may request this support at any time.
(5)
The young person is entitled to this support whether or not they—
(a)
have received any support under subsection (2)(b); or
(b)
are living with a caregiver under section 386AAD.
(6)
If a young person who has left the care or custody of a person, a body, or an organisation (that is not the care or custody of the chief executive) requests any support or further support, the person, body, or organisation receiving the request must refer it to the chief executive.
(7)
If a request is made or referred to the chief executive, the chief executive must consider the entitlements of the young person under section 386B.
(8)
When an assessment is provided to the chief executive under subsection (3), the chief executive must consider the entitlements of the young person under section 386B taking into account that assessment.
Section 386A: replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 129 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 386A(1)(a): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 45 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 386A(1)(aa): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 45 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 386A(1)(ab): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 45 of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
386B Provision of advice and assistance by chief executive
(1)
Under section 386A, the chief executive, in accordance with regulations made under section 447(1)(cc) and (da),—
(a)
must provide, or arrange the provision of, support by way of advice and non-financial assistance that the chief executive considers the young person will need to achieve independence; and
(b)
may provide, or arrange the provision of, support by way of financial assistance that the chief executive considers the young person will need to achieve independence, but only if the chief executive has first considered what other financial assistance is available to the young person.
(2)
Advice and assistance may include—
(a)
giving information:
(b)
assisting the young person to obtain accommodation, enrol in education or training, or obtain employment:
(c)
legal advice:
(d)
counselling:
(e)
contributing to the expenses incurred by the young person in living near the place where they are or will be—
(i)
employed or seeking employment; or
(ii)
receiving education or training:
(f)
making a grant to assist the young person to meet expenses connected with their education or training.
(3)
When deciding whether to provide financial assistance in any case, the chief executive must give particular consideration to whether the young person has high or complex needs.
(4)
Financial assistance must be paid directly to the young person unless the chief executive considers it appropriate to pay all or any of it to the young person’s caregiver or other person.
(5)
If the chief executive is providing financial assistance to a young person that includes making a contribution or grant for a course of education or training or any other financial assistance the young person needs in order to complete the course, the chief executive may—
(a)
continue to do so even if the young person reaches the age of 25 years before completing the course; and
(b)
disregard any interruption in the young person’s attendance at the course if they resume it as soon as practicable.
Section 386B: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 129 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
386C Chief executive to maintain contact with young persons up to age of 21 years
(1)
This section applies to any young person (as defined in section 386AAA) who has been in any of the circumstances listed in section 386A(1).
(2)
Irrespective of whether the young person is living with a caregiver under section 386AAD or is being provided with any advice or assistance under section 386A, the chief executive must take reasonable steps to maintain contact with the young person.
(3)
The following factors must be taken into account when a decision is made about the extent to which contact is maintained with the young person:
(a)
whether the young person wishes contact to be made with them:
(b)
the young person’s particular needs:
(c)
the young person’s age, maturity, and the desirability of them being independent when they are able to do so.
Section 386C: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 130 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Financial matters
387 Chief executive empowered to make payments for benefit of children and young persons
The chief executive may, from time to time, make such payments as may be necessary to meet the reasonable needs of any child or young person to whom this section applies.
Section 387 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 387: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
388 Financial and other assistance in respect of children and young persons subject to orders made under this Act
(1)
The chief executive may, from time to time, make grants or provide financial or other assistance—
(a)
to any organisation or person referred to in any order made under section 86 or section 91 or section 283(k) or section 298 or section 307 for the purpose of assisting that organisation or person to carry out the terms of the order:
(b)
to any parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person to whom the order relates for the purpose of assisting that parent or guardian or other person to care for the child or young person:
(c)
to any young person to whom the order relates.
(2)
The chief executive may, from time to time, make grants or provide financial or other assistance to any person or organisation having the care of a child or young person pursuant to any order under this Act relating to the custody or guardianship of the child or young person.
Section 388(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 388(1)(a): amended, on 1 November 1989, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70).
Section 388(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
388A Financial and other assistance to permanent caregivers
(1)
The chief executive may from time to time provide financial and other assistance to a permanent caregiver of a child or young person for the purpose of assisting the permanent caregiver to care for the child or young person.
(2)
The chief executive must provide financial and other assistance under this section to a permanent caregiver of a child or young person if—
(a)
the need for assistance arises from the care and protection needs or the extraordinary health, education, or developmental needs of the child or young person; and
(b)
those needs are greater than it is reasonable to expect the permanent caregiver to meet; and
(c)
those needs cannot be met by existing sources of support under this Act or any other enactment, and are unlikely to be provided otherwise; and
(d)
it is reasonable in the circumstances for the chief executive to provide the assistance; and
(e)
the provision of assistance is consistent with any general or special directions (not inconsistent with this section) given to the chief executive in writing by the Minister.
(3)
A direction under subsection (2)(e) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it relates exclusively to an individual.
(4)
[Repealed]| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | The maker must publish it in the Gazette | LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 | ||
| However, that requirement does not apply if a direction of that kind that relates exclusively to an individual. In that case, it is not required to be published | ||||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 388A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 37 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 388A(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 388A(4): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
389 Financial assistance in other cases
The chief executive may, from time to time, make grants or provide financial assistance to any person for the purpose of assisting that person to care for any child or young person—
(a)
who has ceased to be subject to—
(i)
an agreement made under section 139 or section 140 or section 141 or section 142; or
(ii)
an order made under section 78 or section 86 or section 91 or section 101 or section 110 or section 283(n); and
(b)
who, in the circumstances of the particular case, is in need of special assistance.
Section 389 heading: amended, on 30 June 2016, by section 38 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 389: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
389A Review of decisions about financial or other assistance to permanent caregivers
(1)
A permanent caregiver who is dissatisfied with any decision of the chief executive regarding the provision of financial or other assistance under section 388A(2) may apply for an internal review of that decision.
(2)
The internal review must be conducted in accordance with a process established from time to time by the chief executive for that purpose, and must confirm, modify, or reverse the original decision.
(3)
A confirmed or modified decision is for all purposes to be treated as the decision of the chief executive under section 388A(2).
Section 389A: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 39 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
389B Appeal against decisions about financial or other assistance to permanent caregivers
(1)
A permanent caregiver who has applied for a review of a decision under section 388A(2) may appeal to the Family Court against the decision if that caregiver—
(a)
has not received notification of the outcome of the review within 3 months after the application was lodged; or
(b)
is dissatisfied with the outcome of the review.
(2)
An appeal under this section may be made only on the ground that the decision is wrong or unreasonable, or both.
(3)
The appeal must be made by filing a written notice of appeal in the Family Court, and the notice of appeal must—
(a)
set out the particulars supporting the grounds of appeal and the relief sought; and
(b)
be served on the chief executive in accordance with rules of court.
(4)
After being served with a notice of appeal, the department must, as soon as practicable, file in the Family Court a report that contains the decision appealed against, the considerations to which regard was had in making that decision, and a copy of all information that the chief executive had when making it.
(5)
The Family Court may (on an application for the purpose, or its own initiative), but is not obliged to, appoint a lawyer for the child or young person to whom the appeal relates, in which case sections 159(2) and (3), 161, and 162 apply accordingly with any necessary modifications.
(6)
An appeal under this section is by way of rehearing, and is to be heard and determined in accordance with this section and rules of court.
(7)
The Family Court’s determination of the appeal may confirm, modify, or reverse the decision appealed against, and the chief executive must give effect to that determination.
(8)
A Family Court’s determination of an appeal under this section is final.
Section 389B: inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 39 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 389B(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
390 Power to control finances of young persons under guardianship or in custody
(1)
Every person (being the chief executive or an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service) shall have such authority and powers as may be necessary to exercise control over the earnings and other income of any young person (being a young person to whom this section applies) who is in the care or custody, or under the guardianship, of that person, and may for that purpose—
(a)
open an account in the name of that young person in any bank, or opt into a KiwiSaver scheme in the name of the young person (but only if the young person is under the person’s guardianship, and only in accordance with section 35(3) or (5) of the KiwiSaver Act 2006):
(b)
pay or arrange for the payment or crediting of the whole or any part of the earnings or other income of that young person into that account or into any KiwiSaver scheme (whenever it was opted into) of which the young person is a member.
(2)
Any account opened under subsection (1) shall be operated either—
(a)
by the young person; or
(b)
if the chief executive or, as the case requires, the iwi social service or the cultural social service or the director of the child and family support service so directs, by the young person jointly with a person nominated by the chief executive or, as the case requires, that social service or that director.
(3)
All money standing to the credit of a young person in any such account shall be paid to the young person when the young person is discharged from the care, custody, or guardianship of the chief executive or, as the case requires, of the iwi social service or the cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service, and may be paid at any time before the young person is so discharged if the chief executive or, as the case requires, that social service or that director thinks fit.
(4)
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to, or to money standing to the young person’s credit in, a KiwiSaver scheme of which the young person is a member, and do not limit or affect section 35(6) of the KiwiSaver Act 2006 (which authorises specified guardians under this Act to make decisions or take steps in respect of a KiwiSaver scheme membership of a person younger than 16 years).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 50
Section 390(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 390(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 390(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2014, by section 6(3) of the KiwiSaver (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 42).
Section 390(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2014, by section 6(4) of the KiwiSaver (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 42).
Section 390(2)(b): replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 390(2)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 390(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 390(3): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 390(4): inserted, on 1 July 2014, by section 6(5) of the KiwiSaver (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 42).
391 Imposition of charge to meet expenses of providing care for children and young persons
(1)
Where any child or young person to whom this section applies receives earnings or income, the chief executive or, as the case requires, an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service may impose a charge to meet the expenses of providing for the care of that child or young person.
(2)
No charge imposed under subsection (1) shall exceed 25% of the net earnings and other income of the child or young person.
Section 391(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 391(1): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
392 Manager may be appointed under Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 to manage property of children and young persons subject to guardianship or custody order
(1)
The Family Court shall have jurisdiction under Part 3 of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 to appoint a manager in respect of the property, or any specified part of the property, of any child or young person to whom this section applies, and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly.
(2)
For the purposes of section 25 of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, a child or young person to whom this section applies shall be deemed to lack the competence to manage their own affairs in relation to their property.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 52
Section 392(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 392(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Maintenance[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 1 July 1992, pursuant to section 244 of the Child Support Act 1991 (1991 No 142).
393 Recovery of cost of maintenance of children and young persons in care
[Repealed]Section 393: repealed, on 1 July 1992, by section 244 of the Child Support Act 1991 (1991 No 142).
Limitation on tortious liability
394 Limitation on tortious liability of chief executive and other persons having care of child or young person
(1)
Subject to subsections (2) and (3), no liability in tort shall attach to—
(a)
the chief executive, or any employee of the department; or
(b)
any iwi social service or cultural social service or child and family support service, or any member or employee of any such social service or support service; or
(c)
any person or organisation in whose charge a child or young person is placed pursuant to section 362, or any member or employee of any such person or organisation,—
in respect of an act or omission on the part of a child or young person to whom this section applies.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies if the act or omission—
(a)
occurs while the child or young person is acting as the employee or agent of any person, organisation, social service, or support service referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), or of any member or employee of any such person, organisation, social service, or support service; and
(b)
is within the scope of the child’s or young person’s employment or authority as such.
(3)
Nothing in subsection (1) exempts any person or organisation referred to in paragraph (c) of that subsection from any liability in tort for any loss resulting from the use, care, or control of a motor vehicle, if that motor vehicle is in the possession or under the control of a child or young person with the authority of that person or organisation.
(4)
In subsection (3), the term motor vehicle has the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
Section 394: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 394 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 394(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 394(4): amended, on 1 March 1999, by section 215(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110).
Reporting of deaths
395 Police to be notified of deaths
Where a child or young person to whom this section applies dies, the following provisions shall apply:
(a)
where the child or young person was, at the time of their death, in the care or custody or under the guardianship of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or the director of a child and family support service, that social service or, as the case requires, that director shall give notice of the death—
(i)
forthwith on learning of it, to a constable:
(ii)
within 24 hours of learning of it, to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the child or young person was residing at the time of their death:
(b)
where the child or young person was, at the time of their death, in the charge of any person or organisation pursuant to section 362, that person or organisation shall give notice of the death—
(i)
forthwith on learning of it, to a constable:
(ii)
within 24 hours of learning of it, to the principal manager of the department for the area in which the child or young person was residing at the time of their death:
(c)
where the child or young person was, at the time of their death, residing in a residence established under section 364, the person in charge of that residence shall, on learning of that death, forthwith notify a constable.
Compare: 1974 No 72 ss 69A, 82; 1988 No 111 s 46
Section 395(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 395(a): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 395(a)(i): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 395(a)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 395(a)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 395(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 395(b)(i): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 395(b)(ii): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 395(b)(ii): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 395(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 395(c): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
395A Victims to be notified of deaths
(1)
This section applies if—
(a)
a child or young person dies; and
(b)
at the time of their death, the child or young person was—
(i)
on remand or the subject of an order under section 283(n) (supervision with residence order); and
(ii)
residing in a residence established under section 364.
(2)
The chief executive must make all reasonable efforts to notify each victim of the offence committed by the child or young person of the death of that child or young person.
Section 395A: inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 11 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Section 395A(1)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Part 8 Provisions relating to iwi social services, cultural social services, child and family support services, and community services
Part 8 heading: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Iwi social services, cultural social services, and child and family support services
Heading: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 45(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
396 Approval of iwi social services, cultural social services, and child and family support services
(1)
The chief executive may, from time to time, on application made to the chief executive, approve any incorporated body (being a body established by an iwi) as an iwi social service for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
The chief executive may, from time to time, on application made to the chief executive, approve any incorporated body (being a body established by 1 or more cultural groups (not being iwi) within New Zealand) as a cultural social service for the purposes of this Act.
(3)
The chief executive may, from time to time, on application made to the chief executive, approve any organisation or body (including a children’s home), whether incorporated or unincorporated, as a child and family support service for the purposes of this Act.
(4)
The chief executive may grant an approval under this section subject to such conditions as the chief executive thinks fit.
Section 396: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 45(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 396(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 396(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 396(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 396(4): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
397 Restrictions on granting of approval
The chief executive shall not approve any body or organisation as an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a child and family support service unless the chief executive, after making such enquiries as may be appropriate, is satisfied that the body or organisation is—
(a)
suitable to act as the custodian or guardian of children and young persons; and
(b)
capable of exercising or performing the powers, duties, and functions conferred or imposed by or under this Act on an iwi social service or, as the case requires, a cultural social service or a child and family support service.
Section 397: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 397: amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 397(b): amended, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
398 Chief executive not to decline application without giving applicant opportunity to make submissions
The chief executive shall not decline an application for an approval under section 396 without giving the applicant—
(a)
a copy of any information on which the chief executive relies in proposing to decline the application; and
(b)
a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions to the chief executive in relation to that information.
Section 398 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 398: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 398(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 398(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
399 Revocation of approval
(1)
Subject to this section, where the chief executive is satisfied, in relation to any iwi social service or cultural social service or child and family support service, that proper standards of care are not being provided for the children and young persons who are in the custody or under the guardianship of that social service or support service, the chief executive may exercise either or both of the following powers:
(a)
if the chief executive considers that suspension of the approval of the iwi social service or cultural social service or child and family support service is desirable in the public interest, the chief executive may suspend the approval of that social service or support service:
(b)
after giving the social service or support service not less than 60 days’ notice of the date on which the chief executive will consider the matter, the chief executive may revoke the approval of that social service or support service.
(2)
Where, under subsection (1), the chief executive revokes or suspends the approval of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a child and family support service, the chief executive shall—
(a)
give notice of the suspension or revocation to the iwi social service or cultural social service or child and family support service and the reasons for it; and
(b)
give notice of the suspension or revocation in the Gazette.
(3)
Every iwi social service or cultural social service or child and family support service to whom a notice is given under subsection (1)(b) is entitled to make submissions to the chief executive, and the chief executive shall have regard to those submissions before deciding whether or not to revoke the approval of that social service or support service.
Section 399: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 399(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 399(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 399(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 399(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 399(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
400 Assessment of iwi social services, etc
(1)
The chief executive may, from time to time, carry out an assessment of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a child and family support service for the purpose of assessing—
(a)
the operation of that social service or support service:
(b)
the standards of care being provided for the children and young persons who are in the care or custody or under the guardianship of that social service or support service:
(c)
the practices and procedures applying in respect of the social service or support service.
(2)
The chief executive’s delegate who carries out an assessment of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a child and family support service under subsection (1) shall prepare a report on that assessment for the chief executive, and a copy of that report shall be supplied by the chief executive to that social service or support service.
Section 400: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 400(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 400(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 400(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 400(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
401 Powers of persons carrying out assessment of iwi social service, etc
(1)
For the purpose of carrying out an assessment of an iwi social service or a cultural social service or a child and family support service under section 400, the chief executive’s delegate or an officer of the department authorised by the chief executive may—
(a)
at any reasonable time enter any premises that are occupied by the social service or support service and that provide residential accommodation for children or young persons who are in the care or custody or under the guardianship of the social service or support service and inspect any part of those premises:
(b)
interview—
(i)
the convener of the social service or, as the case requires, the director of the support service:
(ii)
any officer or employee of the social service or support service:
(c)
communicate with any person having the care of any child or young person who is in the care or custody or under the guardianship of that social service or support service and with that child or young person:
(d)
examine any documents or records that are held by that social service or support service and that relate to any child or young person who is in the care or custody or under the guardianship of the social service or support service.
(2)
A person intending to enter any premises must give reasonable notice of their intention to do so to the social service or support service concerned.
(3)
The person must on entering any premises, and if requested at any subsequent time, produce—
(a)
evidence of that person’s authority to enter the premises; and
(b)
evidence of that person’s identity.
(4)
The person who is carrying out an assessment under section 400 may at any time be accompanied by such other person or persons (including a medical practitioner) as may be necessary to carry out the assessment.
Section 401: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Section 401(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 401(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 401(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 401(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 401(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 401(4): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 401(4): amended, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
402 Convener of iwi social service or cultural social service to have power of decision for purposes of this Act
Where, pursuant to any provision of this Act, a child or young person is placed in the care or custody or under the guardianship of an iwi social service or a cultural social service, the convener of that social service shall have and may exercise or carry out, on behalf of the social service, all rights, powers, and duties in respect of the child or young person that are conferred or imposed on the social service by virtue of this Act.
Section 402: replaced, on 8 January 1995, by section 46 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121).
Community services
403 Approval of community services
(1)
The chief executive may, from time to time, on application by any person, body, or organisation whether incorporated or unincorporated, approve any service as a community service for the purposes of this Act, either generally or subject to such limitations as the chief executive may specify.
(2)
The chief executive may grant an approval under this section subject to such conditions as the chief executive thinks fit.
(3)
The chief executive shall not approve any service to be a community service unless the chief executive is satisfied that the service will provide services designed to further all or any of the purposes of this Act (as set out in section 4).
Section 403(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 403(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 403(3): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 131 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 403(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
404 Chief executive not to decline application without giving applicant opportunity to make submissions
The chief executive shall not decline an application for an approval under section 403 without giving the applicant—
(a)
a copy of any information on which the chief executive relies in proposing to decline the application; and
(b)
a reasonable opportunity to make written submissions to the chief executive in relation to that information.
Section 404 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 404: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 404(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 404(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
405 Revocation of approval
(1)
Subject to this section, where the chief executive is satisfied, in relation to any community service, that the service is no longer providing services designed to further the purposes of this Act, or is not providing services of an adequate standard, the chief executive may exercise either or both of the following powers:
(a)
if the chief executive considers that suspension of the approval of the community service is desirable in the public interest, the chief executive may suspend the approval of the service:
(b)
after giving the service not less than 60 days’ notice of the date on which the chief executive will consider the matter, the chief executive may revoke the approval of the service.
(2)
Where the chief executive revokes or suspends the approval of a community service under subsection (1), the chief executive shall—
(a)
give notice of the suspension or revocation to the community service and the reasons for it; and
(b)
give notice of the suspension or revocation in the Gazette.
(3)
Every community service to whom a notice is given under subsection (1)(b) is entitled to make submissions to the chief executive, and the chief executive shall have regard to those submissions before deciding whether or not to revoke the approval of the service.
Section 405(1): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 132 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 405(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 405(1)(a): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 405(1)(b): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 405(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 405(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
406 Financial assistance to community services
(1)
Subject to any general directions given from time to time by the Minister, the chief executive may, from time to time, make grants or provide financial assistance to any community service.
(2)
Any grants made, or financial assistance provided, under subsection (1) may be made or provided on such conditions, including conditions as to repayment and the giving of security to secure repayment, as the chief executive thinks fit.
Section 406(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 406(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
407 Chief executive may contract with community services for provision of services
The chief executive may from time to time, on behalf of the Crown, enter into a contract with any community service for the provision, by that community service, of such services as the chief executive considers necessary or desirable for the purposes of enabling the chief executive to carry out any function imposed on the chief executive by or under this Act.
Section 407 heading: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 407: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
408 Assessment of community services
(1)
The chief executive may, from time to time, carry out an assessment of a community service for the purpose of assessing—
(a)
the operation of that community service:
(b)
the standard of the services being provided by that service:
(c)
the practices and procedures applying in respect of the service.
(2)
The chief executive’s delegate who carries out an assessment of a community service under subsection (1) shall prepare a report on that assessment for the chief executive, and a copy of that report shall be supplied by the chief executive to that service.
Section 408(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 408(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 408(2): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 408(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
409 Powers of person carrying out assessment of community service
(1)
For the purpose of carrying out an assessment of a community service under section 408, the chief executive’s delegate or an officer of the department authorised by the chief executive may—
(a)
at any reasonable time enter any premises that are occupied by the service and inspect any part of those premises:
(b)
interview any officer or employee of the service:
(c)
communicate with any person to whom the service is providing, or has provided, any service:
(d)
examine any documents or records that are held by the service and that relate to the provision by that service of any service to which the approval granted under section 403 relates.
(2)
A person intending to enter any premises must give reasonable notice of their intention to do so to the service concerned.
(3)
The person must, on entering any premises under this section, and when requested at any subsequent time, produce—
(a)
evidence of that person’s authority to enter the premises; and
(b)
evidence of that person’s identity.
(4)
The person who is carrying out an assessment under section 408 may at any time be accompanied by such other person or persons (including a medical practitioner) as may be necessary to carry out the assessment.
Section 409(1): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 409(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 409(2): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 409(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 409(3): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 409(4): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 409(4): amended, on 18 September 2004, by section 175(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48).
Part 9 Commissioner for Children
[Repealed]Part 9: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
Appointment and functions[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
410 Commissioner for Children
[Repealed]Section 410: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
411 Functions of Commissioner
[Repealed]Section 411: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
Proceedings of Commissioner[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
412 Powers of Commissioner
[Repealed]Section 412: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
413 Commissioner may regulate own procedure
[Repealed]Section 413: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
414 Commissioner not to make adverse comment unless opportunity to be heard given
[Repealed]Section 414: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
415 Annual report
[Repealed]Section 415: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
Conditions of employment[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
416 Appointment of Commissioner
[Repealed]Section 416: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
417 Term of office and conditions of employment of Commissioner
[Repealed]Section 417: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
418 Removal from office
[Repealed]Section 418: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
419 Superannuation or retiring allowances
[Repealed]Section 419: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
Miscellaneous provisions[Repealed]
Heading: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
420 Proceedings privileged
[Repealed]Section 420: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
421 Commissioner deemed to be official
[Repealed]Section 421: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
422 Money to be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of this Part
[Repealed]Section 422: repealed, on 26 November 2003, by section 37 of the Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121).
Part 10 Miscellaneous provisions
Care and protection co-ordinators and youth justice co-ordinators
423 Appointment of care and protection co-ordinators
(1)
The chief executive must appoint a sufficient number of care and protection co-ordinators.
(1A)
Care and protection co-ordinators may—
(a)
be appointed under the Public Service Act 2020; or
(b)
be employees of an approved service, which in this section and sections 425 and 427 means any of the following:
(i)
an iwi social service:
(ii)
a cultural social service:
(iii)
a child and family support service:
(iv)
a community service.
(2)
A person shall not be appointed to be a care and protection co-ordinator unless that person is, by reason of their personality, training, and experience, suitably qualified to exercise or perform the functions, duties, and powers conferred or imposed on a care and protection co-ordinator by or under this Act.
(3)
An employee of an approved service—
(a)
may be appointed as a care and protection co-ordinator for a term of not more than 3 years, but the term may be renewed by the chief executive from time to time; and
(b)
may have their appointment as a care and protection co-ordinator cancelled (without compensation) by the chief executive on any ground that the chief executive considers justifies removal from the office; but the removal may only take place after consultation with the person’s employer and after a process that accords with the principles of natural justice has been completed; and
(c)
ceases to be appointed as a care and protection co-ordinator (and no compensation is payable with respect to that loss of office) if the co-ordinator ceases to be an employee of the relevant approved service under which the co-ordinator was originally appointed; and
(d)
must perform their duties as a care and protection co-ordinator independently of his or her employer; and
(e)
in performing those duties, must have regard to any guidance for care and protection co-ordinators that is issued by the chief executive.
Section 423(1): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 40(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 423(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 40(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 423(1A)(a): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 423(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 423(3): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 40(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 423(3)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 423(3)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 423(3)(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
424 Duties of care and protection co-ordinator
The duties of a care and protection co-ordinator are as follows:
(a)
to receive reports and referrals in accordance with Part 2:
(b)
to convene family group conferences in accordance with Part 2, and, where necessary, to convene further meetings of any such conference:
(c)
to consult with any care and protection resource panel as appropriate:
(d)
to consult, as appropriate, with persons having knowledge of or experience in cultural matters:
(e)
to record the details of any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to Part 2:
(f)
to ensure that any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to Part 2 is reviewed regularly:
(g)
to notify the results of a family group conference in accordance with section 32:
(h)
to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by or under this Act or any other Act.
425 Appointment of youth justice co-ordinators
(1)
The chief executive must appoint a sufficient number of youth justice co-ordinators.
(1A)
Youth justice co-ordinators may—
(a)
be appointed under the Public Service Act 2020; or
(b)
be employees of an approved service (as defined in section 423(1A)(b)).
(2)
A person shall not be appointed to be a youth justice co-ordinator unless that person is, by reason of their personality, training, and experience, suitably qualified to exercise or perform the functions, duties, and powers conferred or imposed on a youth justice co-ordinator by or under this Act.
(3)
An employee of an approved service—
(a)
may be appointed as a youth justice co-ordinator for a term of no more than 3 years, but the term may be renewed by the chief executive from time to time; and
(b)
may have their appointment as a youth justice co-ordinator cancelled (without compensation) by the chief executive on any grounds that the chief executive considers justifies removal from the office; but the removal may only take place after consultation with the person’s employer and after a process that accords with the principles of natural justice has been completed; and
(c)
ceases to be appointed as a youth justice co-ordinator (and no compensation is payable with respect to that loss of office) if the co-ordinator ceases to be an employee of the relevant approved service under which the co-ordinator was originally appointed; and
(d)
must perform their duties as a youth justice co-ordinator independently of their employer; and
(e)
in performing those duties, must have regard to any guidance for youth justice co-ordinators that is issued by the chief executive.
Section 425(1): replaced, on 30 June 2016, by section 41(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 425(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 41(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 425(1A)(a): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 425(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 425(3): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 41(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 425(3)(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 425(3)(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 425(3)(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
426 Duties of youth justice co-ordinator
The duties of a youth justice co-ordinator are as follows:
(a)
to receive reports in accordance with section 18(3):
(b)
where a child or young person is alleged to have committed an offence, to explore with the relevant enforcement agency the possibility of dealing with the matter by means other than the institution of criminal proceedings:
(c)
to convene family group conferences in accordance with Part 4, and, where necessary, to convene further meetings of any such conference:
(d)
to record the details of any decision, recommendation, or plan made or formulated by a family group conference pursuant to Part 4:
(e)
to notify the results of a family group conference in accordance with section 265:
(f)
to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by or under this Act or any other Act.
427 Delegation of functions of care and protection co-ordinator or youth justice co-ordinator to social worker
(1)
A care and protection co-ordinator or a youth justice co-ordinator may, from time to time, delegate to any social worker (being a social worker who is, in the opinion of that co-ordinator, suitable by reason of that social worker’s training or experience to carry out that function or power) any function or power of that co-ordinator under this Act.
(1A)
Subsection (1) does not apply to a care and protection co-ordinator, or to a youth justice co-ordinator, who is an employee of an approved service (as defined in section 423(1A)(b)).
(2)
Every delegation under subsection (1)—
(a)
shall be in writing:
(b)
may be given on such terms and conditions as the co-ordinator thinks fit:
(c)
shall be revocable in writing at will by the co-ordinator or the chief executive.
(3)
Subject to any terms or conditions imposed by the co-ordinator, a social worker to whom any functions or powers are delegated under subsection (1) may exercise those functions or powers as if they had been conferred on that person directly by this Act and not by delegation.
(4)
Every person purporting to act pursuant to any delegation under subsection (1) shall, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
(5)
No delegation under subsection (1) shall affect or prevent the exercise of any function or power by the care and protection co-ordinator or youth justice co-ordinator who made the delegation.
(6)
Any delegation under subsection (1), until it is revoked by the chief executive, shall continue in force according to its tenor, notwithstanding that the care and protection co-ordinator or youth justice co-ordinator by whom the delegation was made may have ceased to hold office.
Section 427(1): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 427(1A): inserted, on 30 June 2016, by section 42 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41).
Section 427(2)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 427(6): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Care and protection resource panels
428 Care and protection resource panels
(1)
The chief executive shall establish advisory committees, to be known as care and protection resource panels, which shall have the functions specified in section 429 and such other functions as the chief executive thinks fit.
(2)
Every care and protection resource panel shall consist of such number of members as the chief executive thinks fit, which members shall be appointed by the chief executive.
(3)
In making appointments to a care and protection resource panel the chief executive shall have regard to the desirability of having as members of such panels persons from occupations and organisations (including voluntary and statutory organisations, cultural and community groups, government departments, and government agencies) that are concerned with the care and protection of children and young persons.
(4)
Every care and protection resource panel may at any time be discharged, altered, or reconstituted by the chief executive.
Section 428(1): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 428(2): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 428(3): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 428(4): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
429 Functions of care and protection resource panels
The functions of every care and protection resource panel shall be—
(a)
to provide advice to social workers, other delegates of the chief executive, subdelegates, care and protection co-ordinators, and constables on the exercise or performance, by those persons, of the functions, powers, and duties conferred or imposed on them by or under Part 2 or 3, a delegation referred to in sections 7A to 7C, or a subdelegation referred to in section 7E:
(b)
to receive reports from care and protection co-ordinators on matters relating to the exercise or performance, by such co-ordinators, of the functions, powers, and duties conferred or imposed on them by or under this Act:
(c)
to promote co-ordination of the provision of services by the community to children and young persons in need of care or protection, and to the families and family groups of such children and young persons:
(d)
to advise the chief executive on matters relating to the appointment of care and protection co-ordinators.
Section 429(a): replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 429(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
430 Care and protection resource panels may regulate own procedure
Every care and protection resource panel may regulate its own procedure.
431 Annual report
Without limiting the right of a care and protection resource panel to report at any other time, each care and protection resource panel shall, within 3 months after the expiration of each year ending 31 March or such other date as may from time to time be directed by the chief executive, furnish to the chief executive a report on the exercise of that panel’s functions under this Act during that year.
Section 431: amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
432 Fees and allowances
(1)
Every care and protection resource panel is hereby declared to be a statutory board within the meaning of the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951.
(2)
There may be paid out of funds appropriated by Parliament for the purpose to the members of any care and protection resource panel remuneration by way of fees, salary, or allowances and travelling allowances and expenses in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951, and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly.
Youth Court
Heading: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
433 Establishment of Youth Court
The District Court has a division known as the Youth Court.
Section 433: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
434 Principal Youth Court Judge
(1)
The Governor-General must, on the advice of the Attorney-General, appoint a Principal Youth Court Judge.
(2)
The appointment must be for a period of 8 years, and the person is not eligible for reappointment as Principal Youth Court Judge.
(3)
A person’s appointment as Principal Youth Court Judge ceases if the person ceases to hold office as a District Court Judge.
(4)
With the prior approval of the Governor-General, the Principal Youth Court Judge may resign that office but continue in office as a District Court Judge.
(5)
To avoid doubt, a person does not cease to hold office as a District Court Judge solely because the term of the person’s appointment as Principal Youth Court Judge has come to an end.
(6)
Despite subsection (2), the Principal Youth Court Judge continues in office until the Judge’s successor comes into office.
(7)
The Principal Youth Court Judge is responsible for ensuring the orderly and expeditious discharge of the business of the court in consultation with the Chief District Court Judge.
(8)
The Chief District Court Judge may authorise a Youth Court Judge to act in place of the Principal Youth Court Judge if—
(a)
the Principal Youth Court Judge is absent for any reason; or
(b)
the office of the Principal Youth Court Judge is vacant.
Section 434: replaced, on 20 May 2004, by section 3 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 39).
Section 434(3): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 434(6): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 434(8): inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 56).
435 Designation of Youth Court Judges
(1)
The Chief District Court Judge shall, from time to time, on the recommendation of the Principal Youth Court Judge, designate a sufficient number of District Court Judges as Youth Court Judges, and may, from time to time, revoke any such designation.
(2)
For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that a Family Court Judge may be designated as a Youth Court Judge.
(3)
A person shall not be designated a Youth Court Judge unless that person is a suitable person to deal with matters within the jurisdiction of the Youth Court by virtue of that person’s training, experience, and personality and understanding of the significance and importance of different cultural perspectives and values.
(4)
A Family Court Judge shall not be designated as a Youth Court Judge without the concurrence of the Principal Family Court Judge.
Section 435(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
435A Stationing of Judges and sittings of courts
(1)
Each Youth Court Judge must be stationed in the town, and must sit in the court, that may from time to time be determined by the Principal Youth Court Judge.
(2)
Despite subsection (1), the fact that a Youth Court Judge sits in any particular court is conclusive evidence of the Judge’s authority to do so, and no exercise of any jurisdiction or power by a Youth Court Judge may be questioned on the ground that the Judge was not stationed in the town or authorised to sit in the court where the Judge exercised the jurisdiction or power.
(3)
Sittings of the Youth Court for the dispatch of its business must be held on the days and times that may be appointed by the Judge exercising the jurisdiction of the court at the place at which the sittings are held.
(4)
However, the days appointed for regular sittings of the Youth Court are subject to the approval of the Principal Youth Court Judge.
(5)
When exercising powers under this section, the Principal Youth Court Judge must consult with the Chief District Court Judge.
(6)
This section is subject to section 24 of the District Court Act 2016.
Section 435A: inserted, on 20 May 2004, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 39).
Section 435A(2): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 435A(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 435A(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 435A(5): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 435A(6): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
436 District Court Judge may exercise jurisdiction in absence of Youth Court Judge
(1)
In the case of the absence from any court of any Youth Court Judge (from whatever cause the absence may arise), or in any case where no District Court Judge has been designated as a Youth Court Judge to exercise jurisdiction in the Youth Court, any District Court Judge may exercise jurisdiction in that court.
(2)
The fact that a District Court Judge exercises jurisdiction in the Youth Court under this section shall be conclusive evidence of the authority of that District Court Judge to do so, and no act done by that District Court Judge while acting as such shall, in any proceedings, be questioned on the ground that the occasion for so acting had not arisen or had ceased.
Section 436(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 436(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Miscellaneous provisions relating to proceedings under this Act
437 Notice of proceedings and orders to be given to parents or guardians or other persons having care of child or young person
(1)
Where any application is made to, or any proceedings are commenced in, any court under this Act, being an application or proceedings relating to any child or young person, it shall be the duty of the person making the application or commencing the proceedings to give notice of the application or proceedings to a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person together with a copy of any such application or proceedings.
(2)
Every notice given under subsection (1) shall specify—
(a)
the nature of the application or proceedings and any orders sought in sufficient detail to enable that parent or guardian or other person to understand both the nature and implications of the application or proceedings; and
(b)
the rights or obligations of any parent or guardian or other person to appear at the hearing of the application or proceedings or be represented by a barrister or solicitor.
(3)
Where any order is made by a court on any application made or in any proceedings brought under this Act relating to a child or young person, it is the duty of the Registrar of the court by which the order was made to give notice of the making of the order to a parent or guardian or other person having the care of the child or young person, and also give that parent or guardian or other person a copy of the order.
(4)
Every notice given under subsection (3) shall specify—
(a)
the terms of the order made in sufficient detail to enable the parent or guardian or other person to understand both the nature and implications of it; and
(b)
any rights of appeal against the order.
437A Publication of reports of proceedings under Part 2, Part 3A, or section 371
Sections 11B to 11D of the Family Court Act 1980 apply to the publication of a report of any proceedings under Part 2, Part 3A, or section 371—
(a)
in the Family Court:
(b)
in any other court, in which case references in those sections to the Family Court or court must be read as references to that other court.
Section 437A: inserted, on 18 May 2009, by section 8 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 437A: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 437A(a): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
438 Publication of reports of proceedings under Part 4
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), no person shall publish any report of proceedings under Part 4 except with the leave of the court that heard the proceedings.
(2)
Nothing in subsection (1) applies to the publication of—
(a)
any report in any publication that—
(i)
is of a bona fide professional or technical nature; and
(ii)
is intended for circulation among members of the legal, medical, or teaching professions, officers of the public service, psychologists, counsellors carrying out duties under this Act, counsellors and mediators carrying out duties under the Care of Children Act 2004 or the Family Proceedings Act 1980, or social workers, or other delegates of the chief executive or subdelegates:
(b)
statistical information relating to proceedings under this Act:
(c)
the results of any bona fide research relating to proceedings under this Act.
(3)
In no case shall it be lawful to publish, in any report of proceedings under Part 4,—
(a)
the name of any child or young person or the parents or guardians or any person having the care of the child or young person; or
(b)
the name of any school that the child or young person is or was attending; or
(c)
any other name or particulars likely to lead to the identification of the child or young person or of any school that the child or young person is or was attending:
(d)
the name of any complainant.
(4)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit—
(a)
the provisions of any other enactment relating to the prohibition or regulation of the publication of reports or particulars relating to judicial proceedings; or
(b)
the power of any court to punish any contempt of court.
(5)
Every person who contravenes this section commits an offence against this Act and is liable on conviction,—
(a)
in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $2,000:
(b)
in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 24; 1980 No 94 s 169; 1982 No 135 s 6
Section 438 heading: replaced, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(1): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 7 August 2020, by section 135 of the Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40).
Section 438(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 438(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(3)(a) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(2)(a)(ii): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(3)(b) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(3): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(3)(d): amended, on 18 May 2009, by section 9(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76).
Section 438(5): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
439 Proceedings not invalid because of mistake as to age
(1)
No conviction or order or direction or other process or proceedings or action taken shall be held invalid by reason only that it related to a person who was not a child or young person if there were, at the time of conviction, order, direction, process, proceedings, or action, reasonable grounds for believing that that person was a child or young person.
(2)
Despite subsection (1), on the application of either party, a rehearing of a charge may be granted under section 177 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, section 177 of that Act must be treated as applying in relation to all offence categories.
(4)
If the proceedings should have been dealt with in the District Court or the High Court, the proceedings must be remitted to the District Court or the High Court, as the case may require, to be reheard in that court.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 44
Section 439(2): replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 439(3): inserted, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 439(4): inserted, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 439(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
440 Proceedings not to be questioned for want of form
No charging document, summons, conviction, order, sentence, bond, warrant, or other document under this Act, and no application, proceedings, or process under this Act, shall be quashed, set aside, or held invalid by any court by reason only of any defect, irregularity, omission or want of form unless the court is satisfied that there has been a miscarriage of justice.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 45
Section 440: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
441 Court may determine age of child or young person in absence of evidence
(1)
If, in any application or proceedings under this Act, the age of any child or young person is in question, the court in which the application is made or the proceedings are brought shall, in the absence of sufficient evidence, fix the age of the child or young person, and the age so fixed shall, for the purposes of this Act, be the true age of that child or young person.
(2)
Every guardianship order or custody order made pursuant to this Act shall specify the age of the child or young person to whom it relates, and where the age of the child or young person is fixed under subsection (1), the order shall be endorsed to that effect.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 98
442 No court fees payable
No court fees of any of the following kinds shall be payable in respect of any proceedings under this Act:
(a)
any fee for the filing of any document:
(b)
any setting down fee:
(c)
any hearing fee.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 99(5)
443 Issue and execution of warrants
Any warrant issued under any provisions of this Act may be issued or executed at any hour of the day or night and may be issued or executed on a Sunday as on any other day.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 101
444 Liability of persons providing reports
No person who furnishes a report to any court for the purposes of any proceedings under this Act or who supplies any information for the purposes of any such report shall be under any civil or criminal liability in respect of the furnishing of that report or the supply of that information unless the report was furnished or the information was supplied in bad faith.
445 Witnesses expenses
(1)
Where any person is required to give evidence before the Family Court or the Youth Court, that person may, if the court so directs, be paid fees, allowances, and expenses, and the provisions of any regulations in that behalf under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 and for the time being in force shall apply accordingly.
(2)
The Family Court or Youth Court, as the case may be, shall have the powers of a court under any such regulations to fix or disallow, in whole or in part, or increase the amounts payable under those regulations.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 102
Section 445(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 445(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 445(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Search warrants
Heading: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
445A Person executing warrant to produce evidence of authority and identity
Any person executing any warrant issued under section 122 or section 157(2) or section 205(2)(b) or section 296C—
(a)
shall have that warrant with them; and
(b)
shall produce it on initial entry and, if requested, at any subsequent time; and
(c)
shall identify themselves to any person in or on the dwellinghouse, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, premises, or place who questions their right to enter or search the same or to take possession of the child or young person; and
(d)
if the person is a constable who is not in uniform, shall produce evidence that the person is a constable; and
(e)
if the person is a social worker, shall produce evidence that the person is a social worker; and
(f)
if they are a person (not being a social worker) authorised by the warrant to take possession of the child or young person, shall produce evidence that they are the person so authorised.
Compare: 1968 No 63 s 19(5); 1983 No 76 s 2
Section 445A: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
Section 445A: amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 445A: amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 208(1)(a) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 445A: amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 208(1)(b) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 445A: amended, on 1 October 2010, by section 51 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 445A(a): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 445A(c): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 445A(d): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 445A(d): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 445A(e): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 445A(f): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 137 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
445B Authority to use facsimile copy of warrant
(1)
In this section, the term facsimile copy, in relation to a warrant, means a copy of the warrant that is produced by a facsimile machine, computer, or other electronic device when the warrant is sent by facsimile transmission.
(2)
Any District Court Judge, Justice, Community Magistrate, or Registrar (not being a constable) may authorise the use of a facsimile copy of a warrant issued under section 122, 157(2), 205(2)(b), or 296C in the execution of that warrant.
(2A)
The use of a facsimile copy of a warrant may be authorised when the warrant is issued, or later.
(2B)
Subsection (2) is subject to subsection (3).
(3)
No authorisation may be granted under subsection (2) in relation to a warrant unless the District Court Judge, Justice, Community Magistrate, or Registrar is satisfied, having regard to the circumstances of the case, that any delay in executing the warrant that may be caused if a facsimile copy is not able to be used for that purpose would or might unduly prejudice the purpose for which the warrant was issued.
(4)
Where a District Court Judge, Justice, Community Magistrate, or Registrar grants an authorisation under subsection (2) in relation to a warrant, the Judge, Justice, Community Magistrate, or Registrar, as the case may be, shall endorse on the face of the warrant—
(a)
the fact that a facsimile copy of the warrant may be used for the purpose of executing the warrant; and
(b)
the date and time at which the authorisation expires, which shall be the close of the third day after the day on which the authorisation is granted,—
and shall sign that endorsement.
(5)
A facsimile copy of a warrant in respect of which an authorisation granted under this section is in force shall be treated, for all purposes, as if it were the warrant, and the provisions of this Act (including, without limitation, sections 445A and 445C and section 446(1)(a) and (b)) shall apply accordingly with all necessary modifications.
(6)
Without limiting any other enactment or rule of law, it is hereby declared that section 44 of the Policing Act 2008 (which relates to protection of Police employees for acts pursuant to process) applies in relation to a facsimile copy of a warrant in respect of which an authorisation granted under this section is in force as if that facsimile copy were the warrant.
Section 445B: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 2(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
Section 445B(2): replaced, on 20 September 2007, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 46).
Section 445B(2): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 208(2) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Section 445B(2): amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
Section 445B(2A): inserted, on 20 September 2007, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 46).
Section 445B(2B): inserted, on 20 September 2007, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 46).
Section 445B(3): amended, on 30 June 1998, by section 7 of the District Courts Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 76).
Section 445B(4): amended, on 30 June 1998, by section 7 of the District Courts Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 76).
Section 445B(6): amended, on 1 October 2008, by section 130(1) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).
445C Issue and execution of warrants
Any warrant issued under any provision of this Act may be issued or executed at any hour of the day or night and may be issued or executed on a Sunday as on any other day.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 101
Section 445C: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 2 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112).
445D Certain provisions of Search and Surveillance Act 2012 apply to some warrants
Sections 101 and 105 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 apply, with any necessary modifications, in respect of any warrant applied for or issued under section 39, 40, or 386.
Section 445D: inserted, on 1 October 2012, by section 209 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
Limit on proceedings and Crown liability
Heading: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 133 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
445E Limit on proceedings
(1)
No proceedings may be brought in any court—
(a)
in relation to any act or omission that occurred on or after the commencement of this section by the chief executive, the chief executive’s delegate, or an employee of the department that could have been the subject of a complaint under the 1 or more complaints mechanisms established, amended, or replaced by the chief executive, unless—
(i)
a complaint has been made under that mechanism and determined; and
(ii)
[Repealed](b)
in relation to any purported breach of duty owed to the child or young person under this Act or any regulations made under this Act by the chief executive or the chief executive’s delegate, or an employee or contractor of the department, or an organisation or other person having the care or custody of a child or young person (including an organisation or person with whom a child or young person is placed by the chief executive under section 362), except by a child or young person to whom the duty is allegedly owed.
(2)
In this section and section 445F, young person includes a young person as defined in section 386AAA.
Section 445E: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 133 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 445E(1)(a): amended, on 1 May 2023, by section 68(1) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 445E(1)(a)(ii): repealed, on 1 May 2023, by section 68(2) of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
445F Limitation on liability
(1)
The Crown, the department, the chief executive, the chief executive’s delegate, any employee or contractor of the department, and any organisation or person with whom a child or young person is placed by the chief executive are not liable in respect of the matters set out in subsection (2).
(2)
The matters are anything suffered by a child or young person in the care or custody of the chief executive as a consequence of an act or omission that occurs on or after the commencement of this section by a person who is not—
(a)
the Crown:
(b)
the department:
(c)
the chief executive:
(d)
the chief executive’s delegate:
(e)
an employee or a contractor of the department:
(f)
an organisation or person in whose charge the child or young person has been placed by the chief executive.
(3)
An organisation or person specified in subsection (4)(a) to (d) (other than a person or organisation referred to in subsection (1)) is not liable in respect of the matters referred to in subsection (4).
(4)
The matters are anything suffered by a child or young person in the care or custody of a person or organisation referred to in subsection (3), as a consequence of an act or omission that occurs on or after the commencement of this section by an organisation or a person who is not—
(a)
the organisation or person with care or custody of the child or young person:
(b)
the organisation’s or person’s delegate:
(c)
an employee or contractor of that organisation or person:
(d)
another organisation or person in whose charge the child or young person has been placed by the organisation or person referred to in paragraph (a).
Section 445F: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 133 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Offences
446 Offences
(1)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who—
(a)
knowingly hinders or obstructs any person in the execution of a warrant under section 39 or section 40 or section 122 or section 157(2) or section 205 or section 386, or in the exercise of the power conferred by section 42(1) or section 105(2) or section 318(1) or section 401(1)(a) or section 409(1)(a) (including the power conferred by section 105(2) and applied in sections 80, 82(5), 104(3)(c), and 106(2)); or
(b)
wilfully fails or refuses to afford to any person engaged in the execution of the warrant or the exercise of the power immediate entrance to any premises or any part of any premises; or
(c)
without lawful authority removes from the custody of the chief executive any child or young person who has been placed in the custody of the chief executive pursuant to section 39 or section 40 or section 42.
(2)
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 who—
(a)
incites or knowingly assists any child or young person to depart without proper authority from any residence under this Act, or from the custody and care of any person who for the time being has been lawfully entrusted under this Act with the custody or care of the child or young person:
(b)
without lawful authority removes any child or young person from any residence under this Act, or from the custody or care of any person as aforesaid:
(c)
harbours or conceals any child or young person who has departed without proper authority or been removed without lawful authority from any residence under this Act, or from the custody or care of any person as aforesaid:
(d)
obstructs any social worker or other officer of the department or delegate of the chief executive or subdelegate in obtaining possession of any child or young person for the time being in the care of the chief executive or placed under the guardianship of the chief executive, or in carrying out any order under this Act.
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 103
Section 446(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 446(1)(c): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 446(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 446(2)(d): amended, on 1 April 2017, by section 10 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Section 446(2)(d): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
446A Children and young persons to whom section 446B applies
(1)
Section 446B applies to a child or young person who is the subject of a protection order (as defined in section 207C) that has not ceased to have effect under this Act in accordance with section 207ZI(1) and—
(a)
that the chief executive proposes to transfer under section 207D to a participating State (as defined in section 207B); or
(b)
that the chief executive has decided to transfer under section 207D to a participating State; or
(c)
that is an order in relation to which the chief executive has filed in a court an application under section 207K; or
(d)
that a court has ordered under section 207K be transferred to a participating State.
(2)
Section 446B applies to a child or young person who is the subject of protection proceedings (as defined in section 207B) that have not been discontinued under this Act in accordance with section 207W and—
(a)
that are proceedings in relation to which the chief executive has filed in a court an application under section 207Q; or
(b)
that a court has ordered under section 207Q be transferred to a participating State.
(3)
Section 446B applies to a child or young person who is the subject of a protection order registered in a court under section 207X.
(4)
Section 446B applies to a child or young person who is the subject of protection proceedings registered in a court under section 207X.
Section 446A: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
446B Offences available if child or young person is subject of certain protection orders or proceedings under Part 3A
(1)
If this section applies to a child or young person,—
(a)
a person may be prosecuted for an offence against section 446 in relation to that child or young person; and
(b)
it does not matter whether the conduct that constitutes the offence occurs wholly within or wholly outside New Zealand or partly within or partly outside New Zealand.
(2)
A person is not liable to be prosecuted under section 446 in respect of conduct—
(a)
that constitutes an offence not only under section 446 but also under a law of a participating State (as defined in section 207B); and
(b)
for which the person was prosecuted in the participating State and convicted or found guilty or acquitted.
(3)
The Attorney-General must be consulted before a prosecution is commenced for an offence against section 446 that is alleged to have occurred partly or wholly outside New Zealand.
Section 446B: inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Regulations
447 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes:
(aa)
declaring a law of a participating State to be a child welfare law for the purposes of Part 3A:
(ab)
declaring a law to be an interstate law in relation to a participating State for the purposes of Part 3A:
(ac)
declaring the holder of an office or position to be the interstate officer in relation to a participating State for the purposes of Part 3A:
(ad)
regulating the administration, management, and control of the residential component (within the meaning of section 290A) of a specified programme or activity:
(a)
providing for the management and inspection of residences established pursuant to section 364:
(b)
defining the rights of children and young persons placed in any residence established pursuant to section 364:
(c)
limiting the powers of the staff of any residence established pursuant to section 364 to punish or discipline the children or young persons placed in the residence:
(ca)
regulating searches conducted under sections 384C and the inspection of incoming and outgoing mail under section 384B including, without limitation,—
(i)
prescribing the manner in which the searches and inspections may be carried out:
(ii)
prescribing the powers that may be exercised when conducting a search or inspection:
(iii)
providing for the seizure, disposal, safe keeping, or return of any article, drug, or substance found during a search or inspection:
(iv)
prescribing conditions on the disposal of any seized article, drug, or substance:
(v)
prescribing procedures by which a child or young person may lay a complaint in relation to an inspection of mail or a search, and how the complaint is to be dealt with:
(cb)
prescribing, in relation to a young person’s entitlement to remain living with a caregiver under sections 386AAD and 386AAE, requirements and standards for support arrangements:
(cc)
prescribing, in relation to providing advice and assistance to young persons under sections 386A and 386B,—
(i)
processes and criteria for needs assessments:
(ii)
the types of advice, assistance, and services to be available for young persons:
(iii)
the manner or means of providing advice, assistance, and services to young persons:
(d)
providing for the administration, management, and control of any centre that is established to provide for the part-time care, training, or occupation of children or young persons:
(da)
prescribing the circumstances in which amounts are payable and the amounts payable under section 363 or to or on behalf of a young person as financial assistance under section 386AAG or 386B, including—
(i)
advances or reimbursements of reasonable costs:
(ii)
allowances, which may vary in accordance with different criteria:
(db)
prescribing, in relation to a youth advocate appointed under section 248A, the following:
(i)
eligibility criteria for appointment:
(ii)
the process for appointment by the chief executive:
(iii)
the amounts payable for preparation for and attendance at a family group conference referred to in section 245:
(e)
prescribing the amounts payable to—
(i)
[Repealed](ii)
any lay advocate appointed under section 163 or section 326:
(iii)
any youth advocate appointed under section 323:
(f)
prescribing forms of applications, licences, notices, or other documents for the purposes of this Act, or authorising the chief executive to prescribe or approve forms, and requiring the use of such forms:
(fa)
prescribing the actions or steps that must be taken by the chief executive or the chief executive’s delegates, or bodies or organisations approved under section 396, to help ensure that children and young persons in care or custody under Part 2 or 4 of this Act receive an appropriate standard of care that is consistent with the application of the principles in sections 4A, 5, 13, and 208, including actions and steps relating to—
(i)
the provision of care, services, and support to address the rights and needs of children and young persons in care:
(ii)
the assessment and monitoring of care arrangements and residences, including youth justice residences:
(iii)
the provision of training and support for —
(A)
caregivers; and
(B)
organisations in which children or young persons may be placed:
(iv)
the creation and maintenance of records for a child or young person recording important matters in their life (including significant life events and significant achievements) occurring while they are in care, and the provision of access to those records for the child or young person:
(v)
the manner in which care standards are monitored or reported on, within the department and by the organisations approved under section 396:
(vi)
the assessment of the safety and suitability of caregivers and their households:
(vii)
the assessment of the suitability of organisations in which children or young persons may be placed:
(fb)
providing for the appointment by the Minister of a person or an organisation (independent of the department) to review the outcomes produced by the 1 or more complaints mechanisms established, amended, or replaced by the chief executive under section 7(2)(bad), and establishing a review mechanism—
(i)
that is intended to—
(A)
be accessible and timely:
(B)
have the necessary capability (including required cultural competence to ensure that reviews of outcomes are undertaken effectively); and
(ii)
for which 1 or more of the following are specified:
(A)
the types of complaints whose outcomes under a complaint process may be the subject of a review:
(B)
the classes of complainants (or other persons) who may seek a review of the outcome of a complaint:
(C)
the procedures to be adopted in conducting reviews:
(D)
who is qualified for appointment to conduct a review, and matters relating to their appointment and term of office:
(E)
the method of determining the remuneration of a person appointed to conduct a review:
(F)
the powers of the reviewer on reviewing the outcomes of a complaints process (which may, without limitation, include a power for the reviewer to set aside the outcome of the complaints mechanism, a power to award compensation up to a specified limit, a power to substitute the reviewer’s decision as the outcome, and any other remedies specified in the regulations that may be granted by the reviewer):
(G)
how the costs of undertaking the review are to be apportioned:
(H)
any other matters that are necessary or desirable to establish or operate the review process.
(g)
conferring rights of review of any decision or determination made or any requirements or conditions imposed under regulations made pursuant to this section:
(ga)
designating, after consultation with the Privacy Commissioner, the Children’s Commissioner, and persons representing the affected organisations,—
(i)
organisations or classes of organisations as child welfare and protection agencies:
(ii)
persons or classes of persons as independent persons:
(gb)
prescribing transitional arrangements in relation to standards of care for children and young persons and any other matters provided for in regulations:
(h)
providing for such matters as are contemplated by or necessary for giving full effect to this Act and for its due administration.
(2)
The Minister must,—
(a)
within 12 months of the commencement of subsection (1)(fa), recommend the making of regulations under that provision; and
(b)
not recommend the revocation of regulations made under subsection (1)(fa) without recommending new regulations to be made under that provision; and
(c)
regularly review the regulations in force under subsection (1)(fa).
(3)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1974 No 72 s 105; 1983 No 129 s 15
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 447(1)(aa): inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 447(1)(ab): inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 447(1)(ac): inserted, on 1 November 1999, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116).
Section 447(1)(ad): inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 53 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 447(1)(ca): inserted, on 25 June 2001, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3).
Section 447(1)(ca): amended, on 25 October 2025, by section 31(1) of the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57).
Section 447(1)(cb): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(cc): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(da): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(db): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(e)(i): repealed, on 31 March 2014, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76).
Section 447(1)(e)(ii): amended, on 1 November 1989, by section 5 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70).
Section 447(1)(f): amended, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Section 447(1)(fa): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(fa)(iii): replaced, on 17 December 2022, by section 46(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 447(1)(fa)(vi): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 46(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 447(1)(fa)(vii): inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 46(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Section 447(1)(fa)(v): replaced, on 1 May 2023, by section 69 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
Section 447(1)(fb): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(ga): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(1)(ga): amended, on 1 August 2025, by section 25 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34).
Section 447(1)(gb): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(2): inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 134(5) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Section 447(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
447A Minister to appoint independent persons to monitor compliance with prescribed standard of care
[Repealed]Section 447A: repealed, on 1 May 2023, by section 70 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
448 Rules of procedure
(1)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the Youth Court under this Act.
(2)
Rules may be made regulating the practice and procedure of courts (other than the Youth Court) under this Act,—
(a)
in the case of the High Court, under section 148 of the Senior Courts Act 2016:
(b)
in the case of the District Court, under section 228 of the District Court Act 2016:
(c)
in the case of the Family Court, under section 16A of the Family Court Act 1980.
(3)
Rules under subsection (1) are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(4)
As to rules referred to in subsection (2), see section 148 of the Senior Courts Act 2016, section 228 of the District Court Act 2016, and section 16A of the Family Court Act 1980, which provide that court rules are secondary legislation.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 448: replaced, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 448(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 448(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 448(2)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(b) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).
Section 448(2)(b): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 448(2)(c): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 448(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 448(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
448A Transitional provisions relating to rules
(1)
Subsections (2) to (4) apply to rules made under section 448 that are in force immediately before the commencement of this section, unless those rules are revoked on or after the commencement of this section.
(2)
Rules to which this subsection applies that regulate the practice or procedure of the Youth Court continue to regulate the practice or procedure of the Youth Court as if they had been made under section 448(1).
(3)
Rules to which this subsection applies that regulate the practice or procedure of the High Court continue to regulate the practice or procedure of the High Court until any rules referred to in section 448(2)(a) come into force.
(4)
Rules to which this subsection applies that regulate the practice or procedure of the District Court continue to regulate the practice or procedure of the District Court until any rules referred to in section 448(2)(b) come into force.
Section 448A: inserted, on 13 September 2002, by section 6 of the Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65).
Section 448A(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 448A(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Periodic review of legislation, government policy, and other arrangements
Heading: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 136 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
448B Periodic review of legislation, government policy, and other arrangements
The Minister must, not later than 1 July 2022, and on at least 1 occasion during each 3-year period after that date, report to Parliament on the following matters:
(a)
whether existing legislation, government policy, and other arrangements that affect the accountability of the Minister, the chief executive, and other persons or bodies carrying out functions under this Act ensures that—
(i)
the needs of children and young persons with whom the department is concerned are met; and
(ii)
the needs of Māori children and young persons with whom the department is concerned are met:
(b)
whether any amendments to legislation, or government policies or other arrangements referred to in paragraph (a), are necessary or desirable in order to ensure the needs of the children and young persons, or particular groups of children and young persons, referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) are met.
Section 448B: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 136 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Part 11 Amendments to other enactments, repeals, savings, and transitional provisions
Amendments to other enactments
449 Consequential amendments
The enactments specified in Schedule 2 are hereby consequentially amended in the manner indicated in that schedule.
450 Adoption Act 1955 amended
(1)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
(2)
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), where, immediately before the commencement of this section, any person has a child in that person’s home for care under a licence or warrant of exemption granted under section 73 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1974, nothing in section 6 of the Adoption Act 1955 shall apply, during the period of 6 months beginning on the date of the commencement of this section, to the keeping of that child by that person.
451 Department of Social Welfare Act 1971 consequentially amended
[Repealed]Section 451: repealed, on 1 April 1990, by section 33(2)(e) of the Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Act 1990 (1990 No 26).
452 Local Government Act 1974 consequentially amended
[Repealed]Section 452: repealed, on 1 July 1992, by section 92(2) of the Building Act 1991 (1991 No 150).
453 Summary Offences Act 1981 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
454 Criminal Justice Act 1985 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
455 Child Care Regulations 1985 consequentially amended
(1)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the regulations.
(2)
The amendment, by subsection (1), of the Child Care Regulations 1985 shall be without prejudice to any power of amending or revoking those regulations.
Repeals and savings
456 Repeals and savings
(1)
The enactments specified in Schedule 3 are hereby repealed.
(2)
The repeal of the Children and Young Persons Amendment Act 1982 by subsection (1) shall not affect the amendment made by section 20 of that Act to the Department of Social Welfare Act 1971.
2010 Amendment Act
Heading: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 54 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
456A Purpose and application
(1)
The purpose of Part 1 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 is to amend this Act to—
(a)
enable proceedings to be commenced under the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 or the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 against—
(i)
a child aged 12 or 13 years who is alleged to have committed an offence (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years; or
(ii)
a child aged 12 or 13 years who is alleged to have committed an offence (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for at least 10 years but less than 14 years and who is a previous offender; and
(b)
require to be brought before the Youth Court to be dealt with in accordance with this Act, and provide certain protections for, a child of that kind against whom proceedings under the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 or the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 have been commenced for an offence of that kind; and
(c)
strengthen and expand the orders available to the Youth Court sentencing or otherwise dealing with a child or young person against whom a charge is proved before the Youth Court, including by ensuring that measures for dealing with offending address the causes underlying the offending.
(2)
A child aged 12 or 13 years is a previous offender for the purposes of subsection (1)(a)(ii) if, in accordance with section 272(1A) or (1B) (as substituted by section 14(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010), he or she has been—
(a)
proved before the Family Court to have committed an offence for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 10 years; or
(b)
convicted by the High Court of murder or manslaughter; or
(c)
convicted by the District Court or the High Court, as a result of an election of jury trial made in the Youth Court, of 1 or more offences (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years; or
(d)
proved before the Youth Court to have committed 1 or more offences (other than murder or manslaughter) for which the maximum penalty available is or includes imprisonment for life or for at least 14 years.
(3)
The amendments made by a provision of that Part apply only—
(a)
in respect of an offence committed or alleged to have been committed after the commencement of that provision; and
(b)
in accordance with subsection (4) in respect of an offence committed or alleged to have been committed before the commencement of that provision.
(4)
If the child or young person gives consent to its doing so, the court may make an order, or exercise or perform any other authority, power, or function, under an amendment made by a provision of that Part in respect of an offence committed or alleged to have been committed before the commencement of that provision.
(5)
A reference in subsection (3) or (4) to an offence committed or alleged to have been committed includes a reference to each of the child’s 1 or more earlier offences referred to in section 272(1A)(b) or (1B)(a), (b), or (c) if—
(a)
the offence is one of the kind specified in section 272(1)(c) and one committed or alleged to have been committed by a child aged 12 or 13 years; and
(b)
proceedings under the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 or the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 against the child for the offence have been or are to be commenced in accordance with section 272(1)(c).
Section 456A: inserted, on 1 October 2010, by section 54 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2).
Section 456A(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 456A(1)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 456A(1)(b): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Section 456A(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 456A(2)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 456A(2)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 456A(2)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 456A(5)(b): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Transitional provisions
457 Complaints
[Repealed]Section 457: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
458 Informations
[Repealed]Section 458: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
459 Guardianship orders
[Repealed]Section 459: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
460 Plans and reports to be furnished to court in respect of orders deemed to be guardianship orders under this Act
[Repealed]Section 460: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
461 Review of orders deemed to be guardianship orders under this Act
[Repealed]Section 461: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
462 Applications for review of guardianship orders
[Repealed]Section 462: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
463 Supervision orders
[Repealed]Section 463: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
464 Applications for review of supervision orders
[Repealed]Section 464: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
465 Complaints for failure to observe conditions of supervision order
[Repealed]Section 465: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
466 Agreements for control of child or young person by the Director-General
[Repealed]Section 466: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
467 Homes registered or deemed to be registered under Part 9 of Children and Young Persons Act 1974
[Repealed]Section 467: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
467A Building Act 2004
(1)
Where any person making inspections under this Act believes that any building or sitework does not comply with the Building Act 2004, that person shall by notice in writing give to the appropriate territorial authority details of the respects in which the building or sitework is believed not to comply.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, the terms building, sitework, and territorial authority have the meanings ascribed to them by the Building Act 2004.
Section 467A: inserted, on 1 July 1992, by section 92(1) of the Building Act 1991 (1991 No 150).
Section 467A heading: amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 467A(1): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
Section 467A(2): amended, on 31 March 2005, by section 414 of the Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72).
468 Agreements for assumption of care of child or young person by manager of home or recognised system of foster care
[Repealed]Section 468: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
469 Administration of property by Public Trustee
[Repealed]Section 469: repealed, on 1 October 1999, by section 13 of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82).
Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Schedule 1AA: inserted, on 5 December 2013, by section 9 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110).
Schedule 1AA heading: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Part 1 Provisions relating to Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013
Part 1: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
1 Application of sections 311, 314, and 317 (supervision with residence orders: early release from custody)
Sections 311, 314, and 317, as those sections are amended by the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013, apply to a supervision with residence order under section 311(1)—
(a)
made, and that had not expired, before that Act’s commencement; or
(b)
made after that Act’s commencement.
Schedule 1AA Part 1 clause 1: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
2 Adjournment date of pre-commencement supervision with residence orders
Section 314 as amended by the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 applies to an order specified in clause (1)(a) as if the adjournment date under section 311(2A)(a) (as in force before that Act’s commencement) were the adjournment date under section 311(2A)(a) (as in force after that commencement).
Schedule 1AA Part 1 clause 2: replaced, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Part 2 Provisions relating to Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016
Schedule 1AA Part 2: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
3 Process or proceeding commenced but not completed before commencement date
(1)
In this clause, commencement date means the date on which this clause comes into force.
(2)
This clause applies to a process or proceeding that has been commenced by a social worker under the Act but has not been completed before the commencement date.
(3)
On and after the commencement date, a process or proceeding to which this clause applies must be treated as if it were commenced by the chief executive.
(4)
However, for the purposes of continuing and completing the process or proceeding, any provision relating to the process or proceeding that, immediately before the commencement date, contained any of the references listed in subclause (5) must be read as if those references had not been affected by the commencement of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016.
(5)
The references are to—
(a)
a social worker’s belief:
(b)
a decision by a social worker:
(c)
a social worker being satisfied or not satisfied of something:
(d)
an assessment by a social worker:
(e)
a social worker considering something:
(f)
a social worker suspecting something:
(g)
any reference similar to those in paragraphs (a) to (f).
Schedule 1AA Part 2 clause 3: inserted, on 1 April 2017, by section 9(2) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98).
Part 3 Provisions relating to Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017
Schedule 1AA Part 3: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
4 New definition of young person not to apply to criminal proceedings underway at commencement date
(1)
For the purpose of this clause,—
commencement date means the date on which section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force
criminal proceedings—
(a)
means a proceeding that has been commenced by—
(i)
the filing of a charging document; or
(ii)
the filing of a notice of hearing under, or in accordance with, section 21(8) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; and
(b)
includes an appeal against conviction or sentence.
(2)
Any defendant aged 17 years in criminal proceedings that are underway in the District Court or High Court on the commencement date must be dealt with by that court as if section 7(4) of this Act had not come into force.
(3)
This clause is subject to clause 23.
Schedule 1AA clause 4: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Schedule 1AA clause 4(1): replaced, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Schedule 1AA clause 4(3): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
5 Protections for young persons aged 17 years in criminal investigations
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Sections 215 to 232 of this Act apply to investigations of alleged offending by persons aged 17 years if the offending occurred or is alleged to have occurred before, on, or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 5: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Schedule 1AA clause 5(2): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(3) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
6 Application of complaints mechanism
A complaints mechanism established under section 7(2)(bad) of this Act applies to any act or omission that occurred on or after 1 April 2017.
Schedule 1AA clause 6: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Schedule 1AA clause 6: amended, on 1 May 2023, by section 71 of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43).
7 Previous definition of child or young person in need of care or protection applies to proceedings underway
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 17 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Section 14 of this Act (as it read before the commencement date) continues to apply to any proceeding that, immediately before the commencement date, had been brought but not determined.
Schedule 1AA clause 7: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
8 Application of sections 17(2A), 18AAA, 21(2), and 30(1)(aaa)
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which sections 20, 21, 28, and 33 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 come into force.
(2)
Sections 17(2A), 18AAA, 21(2), and 30(1)(aaa) of this Act apply to any investigation still underway or commenced on or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 8: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
9 Determinations under section 18B(2)(c)
A determination made under section 18B(2)(c) before the commencement of section 24 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 that there is no realistic prospect that a child or young person will be returned to a person’s care, is to be treated, on and after the commencement of section 24 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017, as a determination that there is no realistic possibility that a child or young person will be returned to a person’s care.
Schedule 1AA clause 9: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
10 Information sharing
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 41 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Sections 65A to 66Q of this Act apply to any information whether it existed or was created before, on, or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 10: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
11 Applications for declaration made under section 67 before commencement date to be determined under previous provisions
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 42 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
An application for a declaration made under section 67 of this Act before the commencement date must be determined under section 67 and any related provisions as those provisions read before the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 11: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Schedule 1AA clause 11 heading: amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 47(1) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Schedule 1AA clause 11(2): amended, on 17 December 2022, by section 47(2) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
12 When custody order ceases to have effect
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the day after the date on which the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 receives the Royal assent.
(2)
Section 108(c) of this Act applies to any custody order made before or after 1 April 2017 and that expires after the commencement date, even if the order or any other document relating to the order contains words to the effect that the order ceases to have effect when the young person attains the age of 17 years.
Schedule 1AA clause 12: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
13 Agreements for extended care of severely disabled children and young persons and agreements with persons providing residential disability care
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 76 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Any agreement made under section 141 or 142 of this Act before the commencement date continues to have effect until it is terminated or expires and this Act continues to apply to those agreements as if the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 had not been enacted.
Schedule 1AA clause 13: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
14 Youth justice principles
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 101(8) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Section 208(3) and (4) of this Act applies only if offending occurred or is alleged to have occurred on or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 14: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
15 Review of detention of young persons in residence or Police custody
(1)
For the purpose of subclause (2), commencement date means the date on which section 105 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Section 241(2) of this Act applies to any order made under section 238(1)(e), whether made before or after the commencement date.
(3)
For the purpose of subclause (4), commencement date means the date on which section 106(1) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(4)
Section 242(1A) of this Act applies to any child or young person detained in a residence on or after the commencement date, whether the order for detention of that child or young person was made before or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 15: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
16 Consideration of restorative justice actions by Family Group Conferences
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 111(3) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Section 258(2) and (3) of this Act applies to any Family Group Conference that takes place on or after the commencement date, including a conference that has been adjourned from an earlier date.
Schedule 1AA clause 16: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
17 Factors to be taken into account on sentencing
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 119 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 comes into force.
(2)
Section 284(1A) of this Act applies only if the offending occurred on or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 17: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
18 Moving to independence
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which sections 128 to 130 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 come into force.
(2)
Section 386AAD of this Act applies only to persons who are aged under 18 years on the commencement date.
(3)
Any young person receiving advice and assistance under section 386A of this Act immediately before the commencement date is to be treated as receiving advice and assistance under new section 386A on or after the commencement date.
(4)
Section 386C of this Act applies only to persons who are subject to any process or proceeding under this Act on or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 18: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
19 References to Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989
Unless the context otherwise requires, every reference to the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 in any document is, after the commencement of section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017, to be read as a reference to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.
Schedule 1AA clause 19: inserted, on 14 July 2017, by section 138 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
Part 4 Provisions relating to Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019
Schedule 1AA Part 4: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
20 Proceeding commenced on or after commencement date for offence committed before commencement date
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (the 2017 Act) comes into force.
(2)
This clause applies to any person in a proceeding that—
(a)
is commenced on or after the commencement date against that person; and
(b)
is for an offence, or an alleged offence, that was committed before the commencement date when that person was 17 years of age.
(3)
The proceeding against the person must be commenced and dealt with under this Act—
(a)
as amended by the 2017 Act; and
(b)
as further amended by Part 1 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019.
(4)
Section 2(2), as amended by the 2017 Act, applies to this clause, except for the requirement that the person be a young person at the date of the alleged offence.
Schedule 1AA clause 20: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
21 Proceeding for charge related to criminal proceeding underway in District Court or High Court on commencement date
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 12 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 comes into force.
(2)
This clause applies to a person to whom clause 4 applies and either—
(a)
clause 20 applies, if the date of the alleged offending that is the subject of the new proceeding occurred before the commencement date; or
(b)
clause 20 does not apply, if the date of the alleged offending that is the subject of the new proceeding occurred on or after the commencement date.
(3)
If a new proceeding is commenced against the person on or after the commencement date by the filing of a charge for a non-Schedule 1A offence, the provisions referred to in subclause (4) are modified as set out in subclause (5) to enable the Youth Court to determine whether the charge for the non-Schedule 1A offence is related to and may be joined with the criminal proceedings that are underway in the District Court or the High Court.
(4)
(5)
A reference to a charge for a Schedule 1A offence includes a reference to a charge for any offence (whether specified in Schedule 1A or not) for which the person is in criminal proceedings that are underway in the District Court or the High Court on the commencement date.
(6)
A reference to a charge for a non-Schedule 1A offence continues to exclude a reference to a charge of murder or manslaughter or another offence over which the Youth Court does not have jurisdiction.
Schedule 1AA clause 21: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
22 Subsequent proceedings not invalidated
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which section 7(4) of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (the 2017 Act) comes into force.
(2)
This clause applies to actions taken by a constable before the commencement date during an investigation of a person aged 17 years for an offence or an alleged offence.
(3)
No proceedings are invalidated and no evidential material is deemed inadmissible because the actions are inconsistent with—
(a)
the definition of young person in section 2(1), as replaced by section 7(4) of the 2017 Act; and
(b)
this Act as amended by the 2017 Act and the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019.
Schedule 1AA clause 22: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
23 Arrest of person aged 17 years without warrant under section 35(1) or 36(1) of Bail Act 2000
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, unless the context otherwise requires,—
commencement date means the date on which section 5 of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 comes into force
court has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Bail Act 2000
criminal proceedings—
(a)
means a proceeding that has been commenced by—
(i)
the filing of a charging document; or
(ii)
the filing of a notice of hearing under, or in accordance with, section 21(8) of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957; and
(b)
includes an appeal against conviction or sentence
drug dealing offence has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Bail Act 2000
Registrar has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Bail Act 2000.
(2)
Section 214B applies to a person aged 17 years if—
(a)
the person—
(i)
is a defendant in criminal proceedings for any offence (except a drug dealing offence), or any alleged offence, that are underway in the District Court or the High Court on the commencement date; and
(ii)
is released on bail (before, on, or after the commencement date) for the offence, or the alleged offence, by a court, a Registrar, or a Police employee; and
(b)
any of the circumstances set out in section 35(1) of the Bail Act 2000 apply to the person so as to empower the arrest without warrant of the person on or after the commencement date.
(3)
Section 214B applies to a person aged 17 years if—
(a)
the person—
(i)
is a defendant in criminal proceedings for a drug dealing offence, or an alleged drug dealing offence, that are underway in the District Court or the High Court on the commencement date; and
(ii)
is released on bail (before, on, or after the commencement date) for the offence, or the alleged offence, by a District Court Judge or a High Court Judge; and
(b)
any of the circumstances set out in section 36(1) of the Bail Act 2000 apply to the person so as to empower the arrest without warrant of the person on or after the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 23: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 16(4) of the Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30).
Part 5 Provisions relating to Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022
Schedule 1AA Part 5: inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 47(3)(a) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
24 Certain determinations made before commencement date
(1)
For the purpose of this clause, commencement date means the date on which this clause comes into force.
(2)
A determination made under section 18B(2)(c) or 83(2A) before the commencement date ceases to have effect on and after the commencement date.
(3)
An agreement reached under section 18B(2)(c) before the commencement date ceases to have effect on and after the commencement date.
(4)
Any proceedings in respect of making a determination under section 18B(2)(c) or 83(2A) that began before the commencement date cease on the commencement date.
Schedule 1AA clause 24: inserted, on 17 December 2022, by section 47(3) of the Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81).
Schedule 1 Provisions applied to Youth Court and to proceedings in Youth Court
Schedule 1: replaced, on 1 July 2013, by section 4 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83).
Schedule 1 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
1
The District Court Act 2016, except that—
(a)
where any provisions of this Act conflict with any of the provisions of the District Court Act 2016, the provisions of this Act prevail:
(b)
nothing in section 72 of the District Court Act 2016 applies in respect of Youth Court Judges or the business of the Youth Court.
Schedule 1 clause 1: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
2
Section 10, 13, Part 2, subparts 1 to 4 of Part 3, subparts 1 and 3 of Part 4, and subparts 1 and 2 of Part 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, except that—
(a)
charging documents against children or young persons must continue to be filed in the District Court even though they may be heard and determined in the Youth Court:
(b)
unless a District Court Judge orders otherwise, charges that are within the jurisdiction of the Youth Court must be heard and determined in the Youth Court that is a division of the District Court in which the charging document is filed:
(c)
section 35 of that Act does not apply:
(d)
sections 37(4), 38, and 40 of that Act do not apply:
(e)
section 53 of that Act does not apply:
(f)
sections 54 to 57 of that Act apply to a proceeding only if, and to the extent that, a Youth Court Judge directs that those provisions apply:
(g)
sections 60 to 62(1), 62(3) to 65, and 116 of that Act (which relate to sentence indications) apply at the discretion of the Judge:
(h)
section 106 of that Act does not apply:
(i)
section 137 of that Act applies as if the proving of a charge were a conviction:
(j)
section 114(1) of that Act does not apply, but section 114(2) of that Act applies only in respect of a defendant who pleads guilty to a charge of murder or manslaughter:
(k)
sections 119 and 121 to 130 of that Act (which relate to a defendant who does not appear) do not apply:
(l)
sections 139(2) and 140 of that Act do not apply:
(m)
section 147(5) of that Act does not apply:
(n)
section 177 of that Act applies to all offence categories as if the proving of a charge were a conviction:
(o)
section 178 of that Act applies as if the proving of a charge were a conviction:
(p)
section 184 of that Act does not apply.
Schedule 1 clause 2(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
3
Part 3 of the Bail Act 2000 except that—
(a)
neither a Justice nor a Community Magistrate may exercise any of the powers conferred by section 33:
(b)
the provisions of section 30 apply as if there were inserted in that section, as subsections (1A) and (1B), the following subsections:
“(1A)
Despite anything in subsection (1), if the hearing is adjourned for the purpose of enabling a family group conference to be held under the provisions of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, the defendant must be excused from attending at the time and place to which the hearing is adjourned if, before that time, the Youth Justice Co-ordinator convening that conference notifies the court, in writing, that the proceedings of that family group conference will not be completed by that time.
“(1B)
If, under subsection (1A), the defendant is excused from attending any hearing, and the court adjourns that hearing, the Registrar must notify the defendant of the time and place to which the hearing is adjourned.”
Schedule 1 clause 3(b): amended, on 14 July 2017, by section 139 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
3A
The Victims’ Rights Act 2002, as follows:
(a)
sections 7 and 8, and, for the purposes of these sections, victim also includes—
(i)
a person who, through or by means of an offence committed by a child or young person, suffers any form of emotional harm; and
(ii)
a parent or guardian of a child or young person who is a victim within the meaning of subparagraph (i), unless that parent or guardian is—
(A)
the child or young person charged with the commission of the offence concerned:
(B)
the child or young person against whom a charge in respect of the offence has been proved before the Youth Court; and
(iii)
a person who has experienced family violence (as defined in section 9 of the Family Violence Act 2018); and
(iv)
a child or young person residing with a person who falls within subparagraph (iii), not being the child or young person who committed the offence or alleged offence:
(b)
(c)
section 11 (except the definition of services in subsection (2) does not apply):
(d)
section 12 (except subsections (1)(ca) and (3) do not apply) with the following modifications to subsection (1)(e):
(i)
the reference to a conviction is to be read as a reference to a finding of the Youth Court that a charge against a child or young person is proved:
(ii)
the reference to a sentence is to be read as a reference to an order made by the Youth Court under section 283 of this Act:
(e)
section 13 (except that despite subsection (3), section 12 overrides section 438 of this Act):
(f)
(g)
sections 17AA to 27 if the Youth Court is to make an order under section 283 of this Act (other than where the Court is to discharge an information under section 282 of this Act), so far as they are applicable and with the following modifications:
(i)
references to an offender are to be read as references to a child or young person against whom a charge in respect of the offence is proved before the Youth Court:
(ii)
references to a conviction are to be read as references to a finding of the Youth Court that a charge against a young person is proved:
(iii)
the reference in section 17(2) to paragraph (a)(iii) of the definition of victim in section 4 is to be read as a reference to paragraph (c) of the definition of victim in section 2B of this Act:
(h)
section 37 if, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of that section,—
(i)
the victim is the victim of a specified offence; and
(ii)
the victim has requested the Commissioner of Police to ensure that he or she is given notice under section 37; and
(iii)
the Commissioner of Police has referred that request to the Director-General of Health and provided the Director-General of Health with the victim’s address:
(i)
section 38 if, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of that section,—
(i)
the victim is the victim of a specified offence; and
(ii)
the victim has requested the Commissioner of Police to ensure that he or she is given notice under section 38; and
(iii)
the Commissioner of Police has referred that request to the Director-General of Health and provided the Director-General of Health with the victim’s address:
(j)
the provisions of Part 4, so far as they are applicable, except that the reference to offender in section 51(1) includes a child or young person against whom a charge in respect of the offence has been proved before the Youth Court.
Schedule clause 3A: inserted, on 6 December 2014, by section 12 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36).
Schedule 1 clause 3A(a)(ii)(B): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Schedule 1 clause 3A(a)(iii): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 259(1) of the Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46).
Schedule 1 clause 3A(g)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Schedule 1 clause 3A(g)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Schedule 1 clause 3A(j): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
4
Schedule 1A Specified offences for young persons aged 17 years
Schedule 1A: inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 140 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31).
| Offence description | Legislative provision | |
|---|---|---|
| Hijacking an aircraft | Aviation Crimes Act 1972, section 3 | |
| Crimes in connection with hijacking (if the crime is one listed in this schedule) | Aviation Crimes Act 1972, section 4 | |
| Crimes relating to aircraft | Aviation Crimes Act 1972, section 5 | |
| Crimes relating to international airports | Aviation Crimes Act 1972, section 5A | |
| Offences relating to chemical weapons | Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996, section 6 | |
| Using riot control agents as a method of warfare | Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1996, section 8 | |
| Treason | Crimes Act 1961, section 74 | |
| Espionage | Crimes Act 1961, section 78 | |
| Improper conduct for or on behalf of foreign power to compromise protected New Zealand interest | Crimes Act 1961, section 78AAA | |
| Piracy | Crimes Act 1961, section 92 | |
| Dealing in slaves | Crimes Act 1961, section 98 | |
| Dealing in people under 18 for sexual exploitation, removal of body parts, or engagement in forced labour | Crimes Act 1961, section 98AA | |
| Smuggling migrants | Crimes Act 1961, section 98C | |
| Trafficking in persons | Crimes Act 1961, section 98D | |
| Judicial corruption | Crimes Act 1961, section 100(1) | |
| Corruption and bribery of Minister of the Crown | Crimes Act 1961, section 102(1) | |
| Perjury in order to procure conviction | Crimes Act 1961, section 109(2) | |
| Sexual violation | Crimes Act 1961, section 128B | |
| Sexual connection with consent induced by threat | Crimes Act 1961, section 129A(1) | |
| Sexual connection with child under 12 | Crimes Act 1961, section 132(1) | |
| Compelling indecent act with animal | Crimes Act 1961, section 142A | |
| Sexual connection with a child under 12 outside New Zealand | Crimes Act 1961, section 144A(1)(a) | |
| Attempted murder | Crimes Act 1961, section 173 | |
| Aiding and abetting suicide | Crimes Act 1961, section 179(1) | |
| Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm | Crimes Act 1961, section 188(1) | |
| Aggravated wounding | Crimes Act 1961, section 191(1) | |
| Discharging firearm or doing dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm | Crimes Act 1961, section 198(1) | |
| Using firearm against law enforcement officer, etc | Crimes Act 1961, section 198A(1) | |
| Acid throwing | Crimes Act 1961, section 199 | |
| Poisoning with intent to cause grievous bodily harm | Crimes Act 1961, section 200(1) | |
| Infecting with disease | Crimes Act 1961, section 201 | |
| Abduction for purposes of marriage or sexual connection | Crimes Act 1961, section 208 | |
| Kidnapping | Crimes Act 1961, section 209 | |
| Aggravated burglary | Crimes Act 1961, section 232(1) | |
| Aggravated robbery | Crimes Act 1961, section 235 | |
| Assault with intent to rob | Crimes Act 1961, section 236(1) | |
| Blackmail | Crimes Act 1961, section 237 | |
| Compelling execution, etc, of documents | Crimes Act 1961, section 239(1) | |
| Arson | Crimes Act 1961, section 267(1) | |
| Crimes against persons protected by a convention (if the crime is one listed in this schedule and Schedule 1 of the Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons, United Nations and Associated Personnel, and Hostages) Act 1980) | Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons, United Nations and Associated Personnel, and Hostages) Act 1980, section 3 | |
| Hostage-taking | Crimes (Internationally Protected Persons, United Nations and Associated Personnel, and Hostages) Act 1980, section 8 | |
| Act of torture | Crimes of Torture Act 1989, section 3(1) | |
| Grave breach of Geneva Conventions or First Protocol or Third Protocol | Geneva Conventions Act 1958, section 3 | |
| Genocide | International Crimes and International Criminal Court Act 2000, section 9 | |
| Crimes against humanity | International Crimes and International Criminal Court Act 2000, section 10 | |
| War crimes | International Crimes and International Criminal Court Act 2000, section 11 | |
| Crimes relating to ships | Maritime Crimes Act 1999, section 4 | |
| Crimes relating to fixed platforms | Maritime Crimes Act 1999, section 5 | |
| Recruiting person to be mercenary | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 7 | |
| Using mercenary | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 8 | |
| Financing mercenary | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 9 | |
| Training prospective mercenary | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 10 | |
| Training mercenary | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 11 | |
| Mercenary taking part in hostilities or concerted act of violence | Mercenary Activities (Prohibition) Act 2004, section 12 | |
| Importing into or exporting from New Zealand any Class A or Class B controlled drug | Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(1)(a) | |
| Producing or manufacturing any Class A or Class B controlled drug | Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(1)(b) | |
| Supplying or administering, or offering to supply or administer, any Class A or Class B controlled drug to any other person, or otherwise dealing in any such controlled drug | Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(1)(c) | |
| Possession of any Class A or Class B controlled drug for the purpose of supplying or administering, or offering to supply or administer, to any other person, or otherwise dealing in any such controlled drug | Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(1)(f) | |
| Conspiring to commit an offence specified in sections 6(1)(a), (b), (c), or (f) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 in relation to a Class A controlled drug | Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, section 6(2A)(a) | |
| Inducing or compelling persons to provide commercial sexual services or earnings from prostitution | Prostitution Reform Act 2003, section 16 | |
| Terrorist act: credible threat and carrying out (but excluding an attempt) | Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 6A(1) (but excluding an attempt) | |
| Terrorist bombing | Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 7 | |
| Financing of, or provision of material support for, terrorism | Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 8(1), (1A), (2A), or (2B) | |
| Recruiting members of terrorist group | Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 12 | |
| Participating in terrorist group | Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, section 13 |
Schedule 1A: amended, on 27 November 2025, by section 17 of the Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 71).
Schedule 1A: amended, on 5 October 2021, by section 57 of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 37).
Schedule 2 Enactments amended
Coroners Act 1988 (1988 No 111)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Criminal Justice Act 1985 (1985 No 120)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
District Courts Act 1947 (1947 No 16) (RS Vol 5, p 1)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Education Act 1964 (1964 No 135) (RS Vol 34, p 355)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Family Courts Act 1980 (1980 No 161)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Guardianship Act 1968 (1968 No 63)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Higher Salaries Commission Act 1977 (1977 No 110) (RS Vol 35, p 307)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Immigration Act 1987 (1987 No 74)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Legal Aid Act 1969 (1969 No 47) (Reprinted 1975, Vol 3, p 2111)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Maori Language Act 1987 (1987 No 176)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Offenders Legal Aid Act 1954 (1954 No 62) (RS Vol 10, p 513)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Ombudsmen Act 1975 (1975 No 9) (RS Vol 21, p 657)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Social Security Act 1964 (1964 No 136)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (1957 No 87) (RS Vol 9, p 583)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Wanganui Computer Centre Act 1976 (1976 No 19)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Schedule 3 Enactments repealed
Area Health Boards Act 1983 (1983 No 134)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Children and Young Persons Act 1974 (1974 No 72)
Children and Young Persons Amendment Act 1977 (1977 No 126)
Children and Young Persons Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 87)
Children and Young Persons Amendment Act 1982 (1982 No 135)
Children and Young Persons Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 129)
Disabled Persons Community Welfare Act 1975 (1975 No 122)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Education Amendment Act 1986 (1986 No 28)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Local Government Amendment Act 1979 (1979 No 59)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Social Security Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 106)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
State Sector Act 1988 (1988 No 20)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Summary Offences Act 1981 (1981 No 113)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011
Public Act |
2011 No 83 |
|
Date of assent |
17 October 2011 |
|
Commencement |
see section 2 |
1 Title
2 Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day that is 2 years after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent unless it is brought into force on an earlier date appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council.
Section 2: this Act brought into force, on 1 July 2013, by clause 2 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 Commencement Order 2013 (SR 2013/158).
3 Principal Act amended
This Act amends the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989.
5 Application of amendments made by section 4
The amendments made by section 4 apply in relation to a proceeding being dealt with in the Youth Court before section 4 came into force in accordance with the provisions of sections 397 and 399 to 401 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011.
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Crimes (Countering Foreign Interference) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 71): section 17
Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 57): Part 3
Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 34): section 25
Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 20): Part 1
Pae Ora (Disestablishment of Māori Health Authority) Amendment Act 2024 (2024 No 5): section 43
Family Court (Family Court Associates) Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 25): Part 2 subpart 9
Oranga Tamariki Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 81)
Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022 (2022 No 44): section 41
Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 (2022 No 43): sections 65–71
Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39): section 107(1)
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 (2022 No 30): section 104
Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14): wehenga 7/section 7
Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 37): section 57
Land Transport (NZTA) Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 48): section 175(1)
Public Service Act 2020 (2020 No 40): section 135
Education and Training Act 2020 (2020 No 38): section 668
Privacy Act 2020 (2020 No 31): section 217
COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 (2020 No 12): section 41
Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30): Part 1
Family Violence Act 2018 (2018 No 46): section 259(1)
Statutes Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 27): Part 21
Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22): section 36
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Oranga Tamariki) Legislation Act 2017 (2017 No 31): (as amended by Oranga Tamariki Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 30))
Statutes Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 104): Part 4
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 98)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2016 (2016 No 75)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 56)
Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50): section 24
District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49): section 261
Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48): section 183(b)
Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products—Budget Measures) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 25): section 6
Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17): section 50
KiwiSaver (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 42): section 6
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Vulnerable Children) Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 41)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 36)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2013 (2013 No 110)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 76)
Bail Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 66): section 41
Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 (2013 No 53): section 109
Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19): section 8
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (2012 No 120): section 416
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 99)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Indexation—Budget Measures) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 78)
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24): sections 207–209
Road User Charges Act 2012 (2012 No 1): section 94
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act (No 2) 2011 (2011 No 83)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 33)
Land Transport (Road Safety and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 13): section 100(3)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 102)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 2)
Accident Compensation Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 1): section 5(1)(b)
Immigration Act 2009 (2009 No 51): section 406(1)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 76)
Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72): sections 116(a)(i), (ii), (b), (d), 130(1)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 46)
Sentencing Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 27): section 58
Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2005 (2005 No 3): section 7
Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90): section 151
Building Act 2004 (2004 No 72): section 414
Corrections Act 2004 (2004 No 50): section 206
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 39)
Children’s Commissioner Act 2003 (2003 No 121): section 37
Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act 2003 (2003 No 115): section 51
Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53): sections 47, 48(2)
Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (2003 No 48): section 175(1)
Local Government Act 2002 (2002 No 84): section 262
District Courts Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 63): section 4
Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9): sections 163, 186
Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 (2001 No 93): section 58(1)
Accident Compensation Act 2001 (2001 No 49): section 337(1)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 3)
Family Courts Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 65): section 6
Bail Act 2000 (2000 No 38): section 74(2)
Accident Insurance Amendment Act 2000 (2000 No 6): section 9(1)
Children’s Health Camps Board Dissolution Act 1999 (1999 No 141): section 8
Children, Young Persons, and their Families (Trans-Tasman Transfer of Protection Orders and Proceedings) Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 116)
Department of Child, Youth, and Family Services Act 1999 (1999 No 82): sections 11(3), 13
Land Transport Act 1998 (1998 No 110) section 215(1)
District Courts Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 76): section 7
Guardianship Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 48): section 8
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 112)
Medical Practitioners Act 1995 (1995 No 95): section 143(1)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1994 (1994 No 121)
Transport Amendment Act (No 2) 1992 (1992 No 67): section 36
Social Security Amendment Act 1992 (1992 No 15): section 4(f)
Building Act 1991 (1991 No 150): section 92(1), (2)
Child Support Act 1991 (1991 No 142): section 244
Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 4): section 4(1)
Social Welfare (Transitional Provisions) Act 1990 (1990 No 26): sections 33(2)(e), 35(1)(d), (3)
Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Amendment Act 1989 (1989 No 70)
Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44): section 83(7)
Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (1989 No 24): section 239A
Family Courts Act 1980 (1980 No 161): section 17A(d)
Versions
Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
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