For immediate release:
Green Paper must listen and ACT, not listen and IGNORE
Excerpt from a news article today:
https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/1351618282631259 Plan to keep Kiwi kids safe
A Families Commission report, released today, says agencies' inadequate systems are putting vulnerable children at risk.
It calls for better information-sharing between government departments and enhanced reporting by health professionals to
safeguard at-risk children.
But it also suggests controversial new measures that could expose innocent mums and dads to greater government
intervention if child abuse is suspected.
Christine Davey, Sensible Sentencing's Spokesperson on Drug Issues, has heard it all before. In fact she has said it all
before, in the following Press Release issued on 19 November 2008.
CYF Policies result in child abuse
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Press Release: Sensible Sentencing Trust
With regard to the role of the Children's Commission, in her 2008 Press Release Ms Davey quotes MSD CEO Peter Hughes as
having told her that “while both agencies work together, they have differing roles.” He says “The Office of the Children's Commissioner has an important function in monitoring and assessing the policies and
practices of CYF, but cannot direct CYF in its work''.
Ms Davey says it's precisely that arrogant approach which has allowed so many of our children to suffer abuse by their
Caregivers. She has written to Paula Bennett many times on this issue, citing specific cases – and Ms Bennett's response
has always been to refer the case back to the CYF agency concerned. They vigorously defend their methods, Ms Bennett
accepts that, and nothing changes.
With all due respect to Ms Bennett – the Green Paper is a great idea. But the people and various Commissions and
Agencies have been having their say on this issue for years, and it has been ignored. Why should we believe this is
going to be any different?
As the SST's 2008 Press Release said: “Until a NZ Government recognises its responsibility towards children and acts to assist them by changing the culture at
CYF, more children will be abused, brain damaged or killed. “