Independent Review of the Children’s System Response to Abuse
This independent review by Dame Karen Poutasi into the children’s system response to abuse was commissioned by the Chief Executives of six public sector agencies. The review follows the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz by his carer Michaela Barriball in November 2021.
The 6 agencies that commissioned the review are:
- Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections
- Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa – New Zealand Police
- Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children
- Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga – Ministry of Education
- Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health
- Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora – Ministry of Social Development.
Each of these agencies completed their own reports into their interactions – direct and indirect – with Malachi, his mother, his wider whānau, and Michaela Barriball. The Chief Executives of the 6 agencies then commissioned this review to identify whether the system as a whole could have done more to prevent harm being done to Malachi.
The review found 5 critical gaps that can result in a child at risk becoming invisible to the system and makes 14 recommendations to create stronger safety nets.
Progress reports
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Update on the cross agency review into the childrens sector (REP OT 23 04 0883)
This is the first ministerial report on progress made against the 14 recommendations made by Dame Karen Poutasi.
Pdf, 336 KB
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Dame Karen Poutasi system review into the children's sector second report (REP OT 23 09 01054)
This is the second ministerial report on progress made against the 14 recommendations made by Dame Karen Poutasi.
Pdf, 1.6 MB
Cabinet papers
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Final report by Dame Karen Poutasi on the death of Malachi Subecz (CAB 22 MIN 0540)
This paper reports to Cabinet on the independent review by Dame Karen Poutasi, the 14 recommendations and the next steps.
Pdf, 304 KB
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Report to Cabinet on the progress made against the recommendations of the Dame Karen Poutasi system (CAB 23 MIN 0398)
This paper reports to Cabinet on the progress made against each of the 14 recommendations made by Dame Karen Poutasi.
Be aware, there are inconsistencies in this paper:
1. On page 25, the correct percentage of the population that will be impacted by changes to health localities is 57 percent, not 43 percent.
2. The report back date for the vetting and support of caregivers’ work give three different timings. The advice will be provided during this parliamentary term.Pdf, 1.1 MB
Published: December 1, 2022 · Updated: December 14, 2023