Health (in care)

Primary health is the health addressed at home or in communities. It heavily shapes the health and wellbeing of children and young people, along with protective factors such as:

• connections with whānau, hapū and iwi
• culture, belonging and identity
• education
• play, recreation, community activities
• caregiver support.

The in-depth needs assessment found that children and young people in care face multiple barriers to primary healthcare, including that they are not identifiable in the health system and there is no guidance on how to deliver services to this population. They may be de-prioritised, re-traumatised or receive ineffective healthcare, increasing life-long avoidant behaviour.

The government has a higher legal obligation to address the health needs of this population. However, the primary health needs of children and young people in care are often not being met. By the time the Oranga Tamariki system is focusing on the health of a child or young person in care, health-related needs are often manifesting as a crisis.

This cohort and their whānau and caregivers need health and wellbeing information and support in their homes, schools and communities that is confidential, non-judgemental, goes at their own pace and is independent from Oranga Tamariki.

There is a lack of an accountable interagency framework and guidelines setting out a common purpose and roles and responsibilities for the promotion of the holistic health and wellbeing of children and young people in care.