Media Statement
For immediate release
Friday, 01 April 2005
Turner: Home alone cases on the rise
The number of people who have been charged for leaving children without reasonable supervision has more than tripled and
convictions have more than doubled since 1994, according to figures obtained by United Future deputy leader Judy Turner.
“These figures are cause for both consolation and concern,” she said.
“On the one hand, the increase may be due to increased reporting by neighbours, family and others, because people are
much more prepared to alert authorities to save children from harm - and that has got to be a good thing.
“However, on the other hand, any increase is in itself disturbing and clearly just the tip of the iceberg because these
are only the reported cases.”
The number of people charged with leaving children without reasonable supervision has increased from 21 in 1994 to 70 in
2003, the year for which the most recent figures are available. The number of people charged has increased from 17 to 44
over that same period.
“It’s tempting to see these cases in the mould of the classic ‘home alone’ scenario, but they also range from young
children being left alone in cars on a hot day, to drunken teenagers out roaming the city streets at night.”
“United Future believes that the Government should play a greater role in not only educating mothers and fathers about
parenting skills, but also what their responsibilities are under the law.”
Ends.