CYFs stats highlight important role of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner

Statistics released by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, showing 350 children whose safety and welfare had been brought to the attention of Child, Youth and Family (CYF) died since 2000, highlight an important function of the Office.

“The figures released by the Children’s Commissioner and published by The Dominion Post today demonstrate the particular vulnerability of those children who come to CYFs attention. The figures remind us of the need for extended families/ whanau, caregivers, and social workers to pay close attention to monitoring the health and well-being of those children and work together to ensure their safety,” said Every Child Counts* Project Manager, Deborah Morris-Travers.

“What is also clear is that the Office of the Children’s Commissioner has an important role in reviewing the social work practice of CYF, investigating complaints about child deaths, and advocating for the social, economic, policy and practice changes needed to improve the well-being of these vulnerable children."

“While nobody likes hearing about the tragic deaths of children, whether they are known to CYFs or not, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner has a vital role in bringing these issues to our attention, highlighting causes and identifying solutions."

“Statistics like those released in the media today confirm that ensuring an independent and well-resourced Office, able to work constructively with CYF and other public agencies is essential. The Office of the Children’s Commissioner plays an important part in improving understanding of the issues affecting New Zealand children and helping us improve outcomes for them,” concluded Ms Morris-Travers.

*Every Child Counts is a coalition of 400 organisations and thousands of individuals working to improve the status and well-being of New Zealand Children. www.everychildcounts.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media