The experience of Takatāpui and Rainbow rangatahi in care

Project lead: Julie Radford Poupard

“We are not bad, we are not anything like that. We are just young kids wanting to be who we are.”

Takatāpui and rainbow rangatahi talked to us about what they wanted Oranga Tamariki to know about them and their experiences of living in state care. Point and Associates and a community design team, supported by Tīwhanawhana, are publishing a new report that shares what we heard.

Young people told us that too often, they are not safe and supported in their takatāpui and rainbow identities. Their needs for healthcare and social support are not being met, and too many experience abuse and being placed in unsafe and violent situations. We also heard that when they were supported and loved, even by just one adult, it was life-changing.

The community design team are calling for Oranga Tamariki to comprehensively transform care systems by prioritising cultural safety, inclusive practice, and upholding the mana and self-determination of takatāpui and rainbow rangatahi.

Nadine MetzgerPoint and Associates