What happens after I make a claim to Oranga Tamariki?

A claims advisor can help you with your claim 

If you make a claim to Oranga Tamariki, they will assign a claims advisor to you. This person should guide you through the claims process.

The claims advisor will ask you about what happened

When you are ready to, tell your claims advisor what happened to you.  Talking about your time in care can bring up a range of emotions. You can find support to help you during this process.

As part of processing your claim, they may read some of your records or talk to your wider whānau, your social worker or other Oranga Tamariki staff. Your claims advisor should tell you beforehand if they are going to do this. 

The claims advisor can tell you about options for redress 

Redress is making things right. Examples of redress can include an apology and a payment of money. Learn more about redress.

Tell your claims advisor if you also want a copy of your records

If you want to access your records, your claims advisor can help you.

If you decide not to make a abuse or neglect claim you can still request to access your records from Oranga Tamariki.  

You can still make a claim in court

If you make a claim with Oranga Tamariki (or MSD Historic Claims), this does not affect your right to go to court, until:

• six months after the date when they respond to your claim or
• you sign a settlement agreement.