7 March 2006
CYFS Merger Must Be Positive
The merging of Child, Youth and Family Services into the Social Development Ministry will be a positive move if it means
better policy advice and improved outcomes for at risk children, says New Zealand First’s Social Services spokesperson
Barbara Stewart.
“CYF’s staff have daunting workloads and most do their best under what are often very difficult circumstances.
“Bad outcomes are made public but we don’t hear much about the good ones,” said Mrs Stewart
“The short stay of the last CEO and the news of an impending performance review will have done little to improve morale.
“It is crucial that whatever administrative changes are made, less than 6 years after the last restructuring, the
welfare of the children in CYFS care and the social workers who look after them remain paramount,” said Mrs Stewart.
ENDS