Historic claims processes

Currently, survivors of historical abuse in State care can make a claim with one of four government agencies.

Ministry of Social Development

if you were in care, custody, guardianship or came to the notice of the Child Welfare Division, the Department of Social Welfare, the New Zealand Children and Young Persons Service or Child, Youth and Family before 1 April 2017, contact:

• 0800 631 127 to speak with a Historic Claims staff member
• email historicclaims@msd.govt.nz

For more information, visit: https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/historic-claims/index.html(external link)

Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki is responsible for resolving claims for abuse and neglect in state care relating to events from 1 April 2017, contact:

• email claims@ot.govt.nz
• call 0508 326 459, or
• let your social worker know you would like to make a claim.

For more information visit: Claims for abuse while in care | Oranga Tamariki — Ministry for Children(external link)

Ministry of Health

Residential hospital facilities, psychiatric institutions (e.g. Lake Alice), contact:

• email healthlegalexecutiveassistant@health.govt.nz
• call (04) 4962000
• write to the Historic Abuse Resolution Service, Postal - Health Legal, Ministry of Health, PO Box 5013, Wellington 6145

For more information visit: Historic abuse claims | Ministry of Health NZ(external link)

Ministry of Education

If you were abused or neglected at one of the following run by the Department of Education:

• a specialist school before 1989
• a primary school prior to 1989
• any State school that is now closed (including specialist schools and health camp schools).

To make a sensitive claim with the Ministry of Education or to enquire about the eligibility of your claim, contact:

• call 0800 663 252
• email sensitive.claims@education.govt.nz

For more information visit: Sensitive Claims of Abuse in State Schools – Education in New Zealand(external link)(external link)