27 April 2023
D Towell
[FYI request #21854 email]>
Tēnā koe D Towell
Thank you for your email of 16 February 2023 to Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for
Children (Oranga Tamariki), requesting the following information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
•
Copies of any reports, emails or other written documents, written in the last
10 years by OT staff raising concerns about Section 17, the effect of
overseas adoption, in the Adoption Act 1955.
•
Copies of any reports, emails or other written documentation, co-authored
in the last 10 years by OT staff, along with any other agencies, raising
concerns about Section 17, the effect of overseas adoption, in the
Adoption Act 1955.
•
In how many instances in the last 10 years have OT staff identified
concerns about the welfare of children adopted overseas, and recognised
as adopted by NZ authorities under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955?
Please break down how many relate to concerns about physical; mental;
and/or sexual abuse, and the home country of these children.
How many referrals have been made by OT regarding the safety of
children adopted under the Adoption Act 1955 to other NZ agencies?
How many overseas children, recognised as adopted by NZ authorities
under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955, have been repatriated to their
home country by OT in the last 10 years. And to which country have these
children been repatriated.
Page 1 of 2
•
Copies of any referrals or reports made to other NZ agencies raising
concerns their children recognised as adopted under section 17 of the
Adoption Act 1955.
This letter notifies you we have found information in scope of your request.
However, we need to undertake further consultation to ensure we release the
information appropriately. I anticipate we will provide your response by 25 May
2023 and will work to do so earlier if possible.
Should you wish to discuss any part of your request with us, please do not hesitate
to contact us a
t [email address]
If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to ask an Ombudsman
to
review
this
decision.
Information
about
this
is
available
at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by contacting them on 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Tania Moody
Manager Ministerial Support
Page 2 of 2