We need to raise the bar

The report from the Children’s Commissioner into the quality of services for children needing the care of the state is a sobering reminder that New Zealand does not do as well as it should for some of our most needy and vulnerable children.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ was commenting on the release of the report “Children In Care” which shows that many children in state care do not get their education, health, recreation and cultural needs properly met. The report stated that the standard of care for many New Zealand children was well below what is needed and that planning for children’s time in care is not given adequate consideration. “Often there are six or more placements for children within two years and this constant disruption affects almost every aspect of their life – not least their opportunity for a quality education,” Mr McKinlay said.

The report makes a set of recommendations to improve the situation for children in care and urges the government to make them a priority.

“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which New Zealand is a signatory along with almost every other country in the world, obliges the State to provide special protection and assistance for children who can not remain with their own family for whatever reason. Those children are entitled to a standard of care that protects their right to safety and to continuity in their upbringing, including their education”.

The Commissioner’s report suggests that each child should have an advocate to support them and argue for their interests so that their own opinions, ideas and needs are taken into account when decisions are made about their placement. “Involving the children in planning for their future and taking their views seriously is an important step towards helping children to improve their life chances and equip them well for a fulfilling adulthood”.

“We know that children who enter into State care here have a higher chance of later becoming involved with the justice system, with drugs and alcohol and their mental and physical health in later life may be compromised” said Mr McKinlay “It is important that the service the State provides for these children is in their best interests,” he said.

Mr McKinlay is hopeful that the government will take the report seriously and act on the Commissioner’s recommendations without delay. “These children need and deserve our best attention” he said. “It is in all our interests to ensure they get it”. “Too often we set the bar too low. We need to raise it,” he said.

ENDS

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