An upgrade to Oranga Tamariki’s case management system will free up social workers’ time, make record and information recovery faster and ensure the protection of records into the future, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today.
The Minister said the proposed technology upgrades will also improve the agency’s collaboration and transparency, and help young people by ensuring important routines and needs are shared where required.
“Until now, social workers and other practice staff have been having to use outdated, 20-year-old computer programmes and systems for administration tasks,” said Ms Chhour.
“This is a significant development that will greatly enable social workers to better serve and work with children, families, caregivers, and partner organisations that provide services.
“I have heard feedback from social workers, caregivers, partners, and young people who have voiced their frustrations about the challenges of out-of-date legacy technology, and I am extremely pleased that we are now delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose solution.
“I am looking forward to seeing the difference this makes not just for social workers but for young people and families.”
Ms Chhour said the new system will also support working alongside service provider partners by making it easier to share personal information with them to improve the wellbeing of children – such as a child’s regular routine and specific needs.
“The records of our young people and of all New Zealanders are sacred. The report into abuse in state care highlighted for many the scenarios where records have been fragmented or lost over the decades. That is unacceptable for the people we serve and I am very pleased that the new systems will help to resolve this issue for the future.”
“The information that social workers record is an important part of the journey and life story of children and young people, particularly those in care.
“These improvements will enable better collaboration between children, families and social workers, with regard for how they participate in their plans and develop them. They will also be able to make sense of their experiences while in care.”
This upgrade is one part of the $68.5m funding boost for frontline technology systems over four years announced as part of Budget 2024.
The Minister said the new system will be operational within 12 months, if not earlier.
