Child welfare agency failed to protect Tom Phillips' missing children

New Zealand child welfare agency Oranga Tamariki made multiple serious mistakes in handling the case of missing father Tom Phillips and his three children. The agency called Phillips a very capable and loving father despite growing concerns and warning signs about the safety of the children. Jayda, Maverick, and Ember have been missing with their father in rural New Zealand for years. Oranga Tamariki failed to act properly on crucial reports and alerts regarding the family situation. Community members and family raised alarms multiple times, but the agency did not take the necessary steps to locate or secure the children. This new review highlights deep flaws in how the welfare system tracks high-risk missing child cases and responds to danger signals.