Friday, 26 August 2005

Turner: Support visit for every expectant mum and dad

Every expectant parent will be able to have a visit from a Family Support Co-ordinator to ensure they can access all the government and voluntary services available to them, United Future leader Peter Dunne said today in launching the party's family policy in Christchurch.

"Parenting is a huge deal. We expect so much of them - and so we should, but we need to help and support them as a society, and that's what this is about," Mr Dunne said in jointly launching the policy with deputy leader Judy Turner.

The Family Support Co-ordinators would work out of Family Support Centres - "one-stop shops for families that will bring together key family services," he said.

Mrs Turner said first time parents and even those with several children often don't know how or where to get help and support, and the Family Support Co-ordinators "will build those bridges for them".

"Again this United Future policy is about putting families first and looking at their needs. If we get it right then we will have stronger, happier families bringing up children who can grow and thrive," she said.

"This is about supporting parents in the crucial job that they do in raising the next generation," Mr Dunne said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media