Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Care and protection for Pasifika young people

Hon Anne Tolley

Minister for Social Development
20 September 2016 Media Statement
Care and protection for Pasifika young people

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley has told a Pacific Leaders Fono that the new Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki will respond to the needs of Pacific children and young people in care or at risk of going into care.

Mrs Tolley told the Fono in Porirua that the new operating model will be culturally responsive and will better support Pacific children and young people.

“We know that Pasifika children and young people make up 11 per cent of all care and protection reports of concern, and 13 per cent of all Youth Justice Family Group Conferences, so it’s vital the new Ministry effectively responds to their needs,” Mrs Tolley says.

“Instead of simply responding to a crisis as the current model does, the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki will focus on five core services – prevention, intensive intervention, care support, transition support and a youth justice system focused on reducing offending and reoffending.

“The detailed design of the new operating model includes a dedicated Pacific work programme to ensure the model is culturally competent and responsive, and to build and strengthen relationships with Pacific organisations.

“There is a wealth of expertise and experience in Pacific organisations that could be hugely beneficial if we can incorporate it into the new operating model.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“As part of the transformation programme, officials have been holding workshops across the country and working with specialists, NGOs and other government agencies to ensure the new system meets the needs of all children and young people, including those with Pacific heritage.

“The new Youth Advisory Panel also includes two care experienced Pasifika young people who will provide me, and the team leading the transformation, with valuable insights and advice as we carry out detailed design work.

“The voices of children and young people must be an integral part of new operating model right from the start and we must make sure that the new model reflects and responds to New Zealand’s diverse communities,” Mrs Tolley says.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.