MSD welcomes Government announcement of Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state care

The announcement of the inquiry will not affect people already working with the Ministry on existing or new claims, as this work will carry on in parallel with the Inquiry. The Ministry will continue to look at ways to improve how we work with people through the claims process, particularly around being more efficient and strengthening our focus on Tikanga Māori.

We will be contacting existing claimants about the Inquiry and their claim to ensure they are fully aware of what’s involved and the possible effects on them.  For legally represented claimants this letter will be sent to them via their lawyer.

In 2006 the Ministry began working with people who have been abused in state care and has as at 26 January 2018 settled 1,644 claims.

As at 26 January 2018 the Ministry had a further 1024 claims in progress.

We expect the Inquiry will look into processes for resolving claims, which may result in possible recommendations for improvements. Once these recommendations are known the Ministry will work with the Minister to action the changes needed.

Anyone considering making a claim for abuse received while in state care before 2008 is encouraged to talk to us now about how we can help. Please call us on 0800 631 127, or email: claimsresolution@msd.govt.nz.

Questions and answers

Does the establishment of the Inquiry mean the claim I have with MSD will stop until the Inquiry is finished?

The announcement of the Inquiry will not affect people working with the Ministry on existing claims or stop people making new ones, as this work will carry on. The Ministry will continue to look at ways to improve how we work with people through the claims process, particularly around being more efficient and strengthening our focus on Tikanga Māori.

If the Inquiry makes recommendations around the way claims are settled can I go back and have my claim relooked at?

We expect the Inquiry will look into how claims are resolved, which may result in possible recommendations for improvements. Once these recommendations are known the Ministry will work with the Minister to action the changes needed.  

I was planning on making a claim over the next few months. Can I still do that?

Yes, the Inquiry does not prevent you from making a claim. We encourage you to talk to us so we can help you to get the process started.

To make a claim or find out more, please get in touch with us by:

• calling 0800 631 127 to speak with an experienced social work advisor in the claims resolution team
• email: claimsresolution@msd.govt.nz
• writing to the Claims Resolution team, Ministry of Social Development, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140.

Sometimes you might have questions about your time in care to help you understand why some decisions were made or why certain things happened. You can contact us to talk this through before you decide if you want to make a claim.

If you were in care from January 2008 onwards then Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children is responsible for your claim.  They can be contacted on 0508 326 459.