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Ruatoki v Ruatoki [2017] NZFC 7526

Published 25 May 2018

Interim parenting orders — children in need of care and protection — direction to Oranga Tamariki — Care of Children Act 2002, s 5. The applicant, a relative of the children, sought orders relating to the care of the children. The applicant had care of the children but issues were raised about the applicant's ability to provide adequate care for the children including medication for the children and the applicant's housing situation. The court also considered a social worker's report which stated that the children had high level needs and required ongoing support. The applicant gave evidence and acknowledged the struggles that she had experienced in caring for the children, her housing situation and difficulty in attending meetings as a result of a lack of workplace support. The court expressed it's admiration for how well the applicant had managed but noted that it was clear that she was struggling. The court noted Oranga Tamariki's failure to complete gateway assessments and compliance with their statutory obligations as the children had been identified as being in need of care of protection and required support. The court continued the interim parenting orders in favour of the applicant and directed that Oranga Tamariki file a response to the most recent s 19 referral within 28 days. Judgment Date: 19 September 2017. * * * Note: Names have been changed to comply with legal requirements * * *