Media Statement For immediate release Wednesday, 5 November, 2003

Alexander: Brown report on CYFS right three years ago

Changing chief executives will count for nothing if CYFS doesn't implement real changes - and given a key recommendation from a report three years ago still hasn't been acted on, the signs are not good, United Future's Marc Alexander said today.

"We've just had the Baseline Report and it has been quite damning, but three years ago former chief youth court judge Mick Brown recommended that CYFS contract out to community organisations all tasks other than those related to the immediate safety and security of the children.

"Nothing has been done in this regard, and that is a tragedy that has allowed the human tragedies that we have become all too familiar with," Mr Alexander said.

"CYFS should work with organisations in the community that can get to families and make a real difference - and complement the safety and security focus by helping make troubled families safe and secure, so children can be returned after the minimum time.

"That doesn't happen today. CYFS intervention is quite often disastrous for children and families," Mr Alexander said.

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