Contact us

If you believe a child is in immediate danger call:

POLICE ON 111

If you're worried about a child and want to make a referral or report a concern, call freephone:

0508 326 459

Lines open 24/7, or email contact@ot.govt.nz

After hours

From 5pm – 8 am Monday to Friday, weekends and public holidays, social workers will only assess emergency situations. But we encourage you to call if you're unsure.

General enquiries

If your enquiry is not about a child but relates to our organisation eg policy, procedures, finance, training etc, you can still call our main line:

0508 326 459

Email enquiry@ot.govt.nz

If you're a school:
Call 0508 EDASSIST (0508 332 774)
Email edassist@ot.govt.nz

If you're a caregiver:
Call 0508 227 377

If your query is adoption related:
Call 0508 326 459
Email webadoption@ot.govt.nz

To request personal information held by us:
Call 0508 326 459 and ask for privacy and official information services.

Contact Children's Teams

If you're overseas:
Call +64 9 912 3820
Email contact@ot.govt.nz

For media enquiries:
Call +64 4 918 9199
Email media@ot.govt.nz

Reporting a concern

Get in touch if you think a child or young person may be:

unsafe or in danger of harm

suffering from ill-treatment, abuse or neglect

Or you’re not sure if you should be concerned, and want advice, or just to talk things through.

A social worker will work out how urgent this is, and the best thing to do next.

What we'll need to know when you get in touch:

what you're worried about

details of any incidents, including dates

details about the child or young person and their family, such as names and addresses.

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

We're keen to hear about your experience with us. Do you have any ideas about how we can improve our service?

Give us feedback