Te Puaruruhau (Child Protection)

Te Puaruruhau is the Auckland District Health Board health service for children and young people who may have experienced abuse or neglect 0 – 18 years (daytime service). After hours, the service will see children and young people with concerns regarding sexual abuse up to the age of 18 years.

The name literally means "the sheltering of the bud". This service is located in a multi-agency centre with Police and Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, at 99 Grafton Road (opposite the Starship building).

The centre, which was established in 2002, is named Puawaitahi which literally means "blossoming in unity" or "as one" which reflects the bringing together of the three statutory agencies involved in specialist child abuse investigation and the common aim, which is to enhance the recovery and care of those affected by child abuse.

The team offers a 24 hour urgent medical service for acute abuse cases, and carries out nursing and social work assessments for alleged physical or sexual abuse or neglect.

If you are concerned for a child or young person who you feel may be at risk, please seek medical treatment as soon as possible, or contact Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459).

Te Puaruruhau also offers:

  • the Power to Protect (Shaken Baby Prevention) programme
  • the Family Violence Intervention programme, and
  • 'Gateway' health assessments for children in the care of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children.

Referral Expectations

Te Puaruruhau
Referrals are accepted from Health Professionals, Police, Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children and the public, for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years with disclosed or suspected physical or sexual abuse, or neglect (daytime service).

After hours, the service will see children and young people with concerns regarding sexual abuse up to the age of 18 years.

Gateway health assessments
A gateway assessment is available to:

  • all children and young people entering Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children care
  • children and young people already in care
  • children and young people who have high needs identified by the family, a social worker or Family Group Conference Coordinator at, or in preparation for, a Family Group Conference.

A gateway assessment is initiated when a Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children social worker makes a referral to the gateway clinic for a child or young person who they believe will benefit from a gateway assessment.

 

Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatments

Gateway Health Assessments for Children in the Care of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children

The overall objective of the gateway assessment is to enhance the physical, mental, educational and social wellbeing of children and young people who come to the attention of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children.

A gateway assessment will:

  • identify the health, education and care and protection needs of the child or young person
  • identify any health needs of the child's parents or caregivers that will impact on the child
  • create a plan to address these needs
  • facilitate access to appropriate services for health, education and wellbeing
  • help children and young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to adopt healthy behaviours
  • identify the skills and training that the caregiver may require to address the needs of the child or young person
  • collate a health and education history for the child or young person to assist them in their future interactions with the health and education systems.

For more information visit the Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children website: https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/

This information has been provided by healthpoint.co.nz, helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services.