CYF policies and procedures.

Lance D. Lavery made this Official Information request to Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children

The request was refused by Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children.

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Child Youth and Family,

I hereby issue this request under the Official Information Act 1982.

I instruct CYF to provide all information pertaining to CYF "Policies and Procedures" specifically for but not limited to...

1. Allegations/Notifications/Risk Assessment protocol.
2. Client Care and Protection protocol.
3. Client "Return Home" plan protocol.
4. Client "Permanent Placement with Family" plan protocol.
5. Client "Home for Life" plan protocol.
6. Cultural considerations of clients/children protocol.
7. Employment/vetting/referee checks/induction/training of competent staff protocol.
8. Child/s needs/wants and interests protocol.
9. Abuse of children in CYF care protocol.
10. Cultural appropriateness of services for ethnic minority Clients protocol.
11. Complaints/grievances from Clients in CYF care protocols.
12. Complaints/grievances from parents that have children in CYF care protocols.
13. Health and Safety of Clients in CYF care protocol.
14. Management structure and systems protocol.
15. Financial management structure and systems protocol.
16. Organisational "Policies and Procedures" monitoring protocol.
17. Appointment of "Director of the Service" protocol.
18. Client intake and assessment protocol.
19. Client planning protocol.
20. Client program protocol.
21. Client "Care Placement" protocol.
22. "Conclusion of Service" protocol.
23. Client record keeping protocol.
24. Service provision review and evaluation protocol.
25. Service planning protocol.
26. Client planning protocol.
27. Formal intervention plans protocol.
28. Philosophical base protocol.
29. Competency framework for practice excellence protocol.
30. Performance Appraisal protocol.
31. Staff integrity protocol.
32. Emergency Procedures incl. Fire and Earthquake, Missing Children protocol.
33. Excursions and Transport protocol.
34. Client Access to telephone protocol.
35. Client accidents on Ministry premises protocol.
36. Incident report protocol.
37. Staff to Client ratio protocol.
38. Privacy policy protocol.
39. Parental rights to information pertaining to their child protocol.
40. Emergency procedures protocol.
41. Discipline of insubordinate staff protocol.

I can appreciate that this is a very large list and it may possibly take CYF longer to fulfill their obligations under the Official Information Act 1982. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,

Lance

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Lance Lavery

Thank you for your email received 4 November 2013, under the Official Information Act 1982. Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate officials at National office to respond. You may expect a response to be sent to you as soon as possible.
 
Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Mr Lavery,

You have asked a large number of questions relating to the policies and protocols for Child, Youth and Family. The following link http://cyf-practice-centre.ssi.govt.nz/ refers you to Child, Youth and Family's Practice Centre which will provide you with helpful information to your questions.

Please refer to this site in the first instance, and if you have any other questions arising that are not covered by the information contained in the Practice Centre, please send these to us.

Kind Regards,

Official and Parliamentary Information Team
Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

In a response to my Official Information Act request CYF have stated that I have "asked a lot of questions".

Actually, I haven't. Could my request please be reread and then responded to appropriately. Also the link in which CYF provided was broken (I tried it four times).

I do not believe that the information I seek is contained (in any significant manner) on the practice center web page.

Also I requested the information under the prescribed provisions of the Official Information Act 1982. Therefore I believe that it is the responsibility of the Government agency concerned to provide me with the information requested.

With respect, I do not believe that I should have to conduct the research myself.

I look forward to an appropriate response as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Mr Lavery,

Your email of 2 November 2013, requested 40 questions seeking copies of information pertaining to the policies and or protocols relating to Child, Youth and Family policies. The Ministry has the right to refuse a request for information where it deems the information is publicly available - pursuant to section 18(d) of the Official Information Act (1982).

We have copied the link to the information you are seeking http://cyf-practice-centre.ssi.govt.nz/ . We have tested this link and it is not broken.

If you are not satisfied with this response you have the right to seek an investigation and review of our response by the Ombudsman, whose address for contact purposes is:

The Ombudsman
Office of the Ombudsman
PO Box 10-152
WELLINGTON 6143

Regards,

The Official and Parliamentary Information Team
Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),CYF

As a point of correction and reiteration I would like to once again declare that in my original email I DID NOT ask 40 questions in relation to my request. Here is a transcript from my original email.

“I Instruct CYF to provide all information pertaining to CYF “Policies and Procedures” specifically but not limited to…”

As you can see I did not ask any questions. I did however instruct the agency, under the Official Information Act 1982, to provide all information pertaining to CYF “Policies and Procedures”.

I then listed forty one categories specifically, however that list should not be considered as complete due to the fact that I would like ALL information. The list of categories were merely forty one example’s and should not be misconstrued as being questions of any sort what so ever.

I have tried the provided link once again (four times) and once again the link is broken. I do not believe that the information I seek is contained (in any significant manner) on the practice centre web page.

Also I requested the information under the prescribed provisions of the Official Information Act 1982. Therefore I believe that it is the responsibility of the Government agency concerned to provide me with the information requested.

With respect, I do not believe that I should have to conduct the research myself.

I do not believe a complaint to the Ombudsman is necessary at this stage. I am confidant that this misunderstanding can be resolved informally.

I hope I have made myself clear; alternatively I will answer any questions if clarification is needed in order for CYF to fulfill Official Information Act obligations.

I look forward to an appropriate response as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Child Youth and Family,

I still await your response and would like to remind CYF that I continue to wait patiently.

Yours faithfully,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Issues_Corporate_Support (CYF)

Dear Lance

Thank you for your email, I have asked the OIA team to contact directly and advise you on where your request is at - if you have any further questions please contact them directly on [email address]

Regards

Cherie Carter
Advisor, Corporate Support, Child, Youth and Family
Level 5 Bowen State Building | PO Box 1556 | Wellington 6011
Telephone: +64 4 918 9187 | Email: [email address]

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Issues_Corporate_Support (CYF),

Thank you for your response. I can be contacted directly at [email address]. I look forward to hearing from the OIA team.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

Ian Thomson left an annotation ()

Hi Lance.

I may be able to help you with one of your requests. Number 30: Performance appraisal protocol. I have an OIA request on this matter, if you would like it I would be happy to forward it through.

Regards
Ian Thomson
email: ifrthomson@gmail.com

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Issues_Corporate_Support (CYF),

Whats happening with my request? I await patiently and remain steadfast.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Issues_Corporate_Support (CYF),

Once again I ask respectfully what is happening with my request? Please respond as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear Issues_Corporate_Support (CYF),

Any body there?

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Mr Lavery,

 

I refer you to our earlier email advising you have asked a large number of
questions relating to the policies and protocols for Child, Youth and
Family. I understand that the link provided did not work for you -
following link [1]www.practicecentre.cyf.govt.nz refers you to Child,
Youth and Family's Practice Centre which will provide you with helpful
information to your questions. 

 

Please refer to this site in the first instance, and if you have any other
questions arising that are not covered by the information contained in the
Practice Centre, please send these to us.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Official and Parliamentary Information Team Ministerial and Executive
Services Ministry of Social Development 

 

------------------------------- This email and any attachments may contain
information that is confidential and subject to legal privilege. If you
are not the intended recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution or
duplication of this email and attachments is prohibited. If you have
received this email in error please notify the author immediately and
erase all copies of the email and attachments. The Ministry of Social
Development accepts no responsibility for changes made to this message or
attachments after transmission from the Ministry.
-------------------------------

References

Visible links
1. file:///tmp/www.practicecentre.cyf.govt.nz

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Once again "I did NOT ask any questions whatsoever". I listed 41 categories pertaining to CYF procedures and policies.

With respect I once again would like to remind the Ministry that under the Official Information Act 1982 it is the responsibility of the Ministry to fulfill ALL of their statutory requirements.

Meaning that I should not have to conduct the research myself. I have also stated in the past that I do NOT believe the information I seek will not be on the practice centre website.

I hope this is CLEAR enough.

I do appreciate that at times during the communication process there will be the odd misunderstanding or two. I intend on remaining patient and willing to explain any misunderstandings as they may arise.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Was my correspondence on the 8th of August received by MSD?

If so, was it understandable?

If so, what actions will MSD take to rectify this misunderstanding in order for MSD to fulfill the requirement's set out in the Official Information Act 1982, by providing "ALL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CYF POLICES AND PROCEDURES"

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Lance Lavery,

Yes, the Ministry can confirm that your correspondence of 8 August 2014 was received. We apologise for not communicating with you sooner following receipt of that correspondence.
The Ministry is currently processing your Official Information Act request and will have a response to you within 20 working days of 8 August 2014.
 
Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Thank you, I accept your apology and look forward to your response. I really hope that this request can be fulfilled because I have been waiting since the 2nd of November, 2013.

To enable MSD to appreciate how long I have waited I have below broken down that time into units.

Since the 2nd of November I have been waiting...

9 and a half months

41 weeks

287 days

6888 hours

413,280 minutes

24,796,800 seconds

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Whats happening with my request?

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)

Dear Mr Lavery,

The Ministry apologises for the delay in sending a response to your request for official information. At present, the Ministry's response to you is in the final stages of being signed out before it can be released. We hope to release this to you by the end of the week.

Regards,

Official and Parliamentary Information Team
Ministry of Social Development

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Thank you and I accept your apology. I look forward to receiving the information I requested.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)


Attachment Lavery Lance Final Response dated 9 September 2014.pdf
222K Download View as HTML


Dear Lance Lavery,

Please find attached the Ministry's response to your Official Information Act request.
 
Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: Lance D. Lavery

Dear OIA_Requests (MSD),

Thank you for your response to my request issued on the 2nd of November, 2013. However I am not satisfied with your response. Therefore this request is still open and needs to be satisfied in accordance with the Act.

I will decide as to the best way forward and correspond with you once a decision has been reached.

My request should never have been refused because the information I seek is NOT publicly available in any real sense.

The assumption that Mrs Anderson could assist me via the practice centre website is incorrect due to the fact that the information within the practice centre does not meet the requirements of my request.

Also my Official Information Act request is (with respect to Mrs Anderson) none of her concern and you have breached my privacy by involving Mrs Anderson as a third party.

I believe a formal complaint to CYF at this stage is premature.

I also believe that if a formal complaint with CYF was initiated and the outcome was unfavorable I would not be able to apply to the Ombudsman for a review because the word "APPLY" is legally synonymous with the word "BEG" and I am definitely no beggar! So begging is not an option for me.

I accept your apology in regards to "not being very helpful" and I have complete faith that this deficiency can be rectified in due time.

Yours sincerely,

Lance-Desmond: Lavery

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)


Attachment Lavery Lance Final Response dated 31 October 2014.pdf
268K Download View as HTML


Dear Lance Lavery,

Please find attached the Ministry's response to your Official Information Act request for Child, Youth and Family Policies and Procedures.

Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)


Attachment Lavery Lance Final Response dated 31 October 2014.pdf
268K Download View as HTML


Dear Mr Lance Lavery,

Please accept the Ministry's apologies as the response that was sent to you on Friday afternoon did not include the "Code of Conduct" attachment due to an administrative error. Please find attached the full response, with the attachment included.

Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

Link to this

From: OIA_Requests (MSD)


Attachment Lavery Lance Final Response dated 31 October 2014 2.pdf
3.8M Download View as HTML


Apologies, please find the full response attached this time.

Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

Link to this

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children only: