The Families Commision: Moving Beyond Dysfunction
12 December 2003

"Parents Centre is delighted to learn that the Families Commission Bill had its third and final reading in Parliament last night" said Viv Gurrey, CEO.

"The Families Commission is a step in the right direction for parents," said Ms Gurrey. "The challenge now facing the Families Commission is to faciliate an infrastucture which supports successful parenting. Families need to be supported within their communities."

"The Families Commission will play a vital role in working with government agencies and NGOs to ensure parents are encouraged and supported in their responsibilites toward their children," said Mrs Gurrey

"Virtually all of government's current resources for parents are focused on those who are failing or struggling. Recent headlines are testimony to the abysmal failure of the current system. We need a cohesive community infrastructure which supports and empowers families in developing the skills and tools they need to be good parents.

The Families Commission, which will open its doors in July next year, has the potential to develop a new paradigm on parenting; one in which everything will be done to help parents succeed and have a rewarding experience raising great kids.

"The tragedy of children murdered by their parents or caregivers is too great a cost for us to bear. Unskilled parents need to be educated and supported so that patterns of violence and neglect can be stopped."

"CYFs is only one of several agencies guilty of neglect and oversight, each of whom are operating without a comprehensive vision which supports them in supporting parents. Parents should not have to fail before help and support is offered. Parents lie at the very heart of society. Get parenting right and everything else will follow," said Ms Gurrey.

Parents Centre has a fifty year tradition of preparing people for childbirth and parenthood. We have been working with families for several generations and are keenly aware of the pressures facing parents.

"The role of the Families Commission is to help our political leaders understand the costs they are imposing on families and the opportunity that parents offer to generate long term economic prosperity and social harmony," said Ms Gurrey.

"Parents Centre looks forward to working with the new Families Commission to help shape the world's best parenting environment. New Zealand can be a great place to raise a family, if we are determined to make it so," said Mrs Gurrey

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