Child-centred approach to vulnerable children welcomed

Social Service Providers Aotearoa supports the child-centred direction outlined in the Expert Panel Final Report and the accompanying Cabinet papers.

The report, ‘Investing in New Zealand’s Children and Their Families’ lays the path towards a more comprehensive child protection system and notes the need for additional funding.

SSPA National Manager Brenda Pilott said, “The aim of putting the child at the centre of the system is commendable and one which professionals working in this area, whether in government or non-government agencies, will support. Reducing care ‘churn’ and extending the age for care support is particularly welcome.”

The success of these reforms will now depend on how these outcomes are implemented and resourced, she said. “We still don’t have a lot of the detail we need but we welcome the recognition of the vital role community agencies will play in an enhanced support system for vulnerable children.

“To make that partnership between government and community successful will require joint design of the new operating model and a more secure and realistic funding and contracting regime. NGO social service providers will be keen to make this new approach work and to ensure that the innovation that is a feature of NGO delivery is securely embedded”, Brenda Pilott said.

SSPA will be working with government agencies charged with designing and developing the new operating model and will provide submissions on the upcoming legislative changes.

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