CYF should apologise for insensitive letter

The National Party’s calling for a formal apology from Child Youth and Family after sending an ill-considered letter to the mother of murdered Masterton girls Olympia Jetson and Saliel Aplin.

“The insensitivity of the Department in this case absolutely astounds me,” says National’s Social Services spokeswoman Katherine Rich.

She’s commenting after Child, Youth and Family sent a letter to Charlene Aplin about a planned group family conference.

It contained an apology from double murderer Bruce Howse for being unable to attend.

“It beggars belief that the Department thought Ms Aplin needed to be told Bruce Howse couldn’t attend, when he’s just started a 28-year sentence for killing her girls,” says Katherine Rich.

“I don't think Ms Aplin was in any doubt that he'd be a no-show at any family conferences or any other meeting for that matter.

“After all she’s been through, this will no doubt cause additional unnecessary anxiety,” she says.

“Given the whole tragedy occurred after a letter from CYF was intercepted, you’d think the Department would be extra vigilant when sending out any correspondence to the Aplin household.

“I would hope Charlene Aplin has received an apology already,” Katherine Rich says.

“Adding insult to injury, another Government department’s plumbed to new depths in the sensitivity stakes.

“Inland Revenue’s now demanding Ms Aplin repay the $120 she received in child support after her two girls had been murdered.

“What about some compassion for this woman, who’s faced considerable costs and trauma connected with the deaths of her children,” says Katherine Rich.

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