Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 27 July 2006

Report 'right on the button' on care and protection

United Future deputy leader, Judy Turner, has endorsed a NZCCSS report on the care and protection of New Zealand children that was released today, describing the report as "right on the button".

Titled, 'Is any progress being made in care and protection for New Zealand children?' the report highlights the lack of coherent and directed policy regarding the care and protection of children and families.

Particular attention has been given to this area in light of the violent deaths of the Kahui twins last month.

"What I particularly like is the focus on action for paving the way forward," says Mrs Turner.

"It talks of the need for a systematic continuum of support services for struggling families, to be supported across parties to ensure system stability.

"It also expresses the need to extend government support to our social workers, who are on the front-lines of this battle.

"Generally, we need collaborative community and governmental planning to produce a systematic approach to care and protection.

"This takes shape in the areas of early intervention; support for families at risk of needing CYF; and crisis intervention. These services need to be backed by effective service coordination and the development of the sector-wide workforce.

"I call on other parties to pledge support for this line of action. I am hopeful that we can come up with a far better system, but there must be a cross-party commitment to any plan so that its continuity is ensured," says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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