Submissions now open for the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill

The Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading on 12 November following the public apology.

The Bill will make changes to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, Children’s Act 2014, Crimes Act 1961, and Public Records Act 2005.

The Bill will:

  • remove strip searches of children in care and provide new search powers for people visiting youth justice facilities
  • strengthen restrictions for people working with young children
  • enforce better record keeping by Government agencies
  • amend the Crimes Act to include disability in the definition of vulnerable adult.

The Social Services and Community Committee is now inviting submissions on the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill.


Public submissions for this Bill close 11.59pm, Wednesday 11 December 2024.

You need to know:

  • Submissions are publicly released and published to the Parliament website. Only your name or organisation’s name is required on a submission. Please keep your contact details separate, as if they are included on the submission they will become publicly available when the submission is released.
  • If you wish to include information of a private or personal nature in your submission please contact committee staff to discuss your options before you submit.
  • If you wish to speak to the committee about your submission, please state this clearly.

To find out how to make a submission visit:
Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill - New Zealand Parliament(external link)


Record of Public apology, 12 November 2024


To view a video of the public apology, separate video files of survivor speakers and links to public sector leader apologies and alternate formats. Visit: 

Public apology to survivors of abuse in care

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