Political apathy killing kids?

There's nothing new in this statement from the Dominion Post today. It ties in very well with a PR released by Christine Davey, Sensible Sentencing's Spokesperson on Drug Issues and Children's Welfare on 19 November 2008, entitled “CYF Policies result in child abuse”.

How can we be surprised, when Peter Hughes, CEO of CYF, advocates that “parents have the right to raise their children in any manner they choose – unless they cross a line of unacceptability”.

So who exactly decides where that 'line' should be? Apparently it is currently too high, because by the time that line is crossed, kids are dead or brain damaged.

CYF Policy is not to listen to Grandparents' concerns – they go to the mother and if she says everything is “fine”, they leave the family alone.

And what if that mother is petrified of her abusive husband? Of course she would say everything is “fine”. Isn't that what happened with Duwayne Pailegutu, who ended up murdered by his step-father?

Grandparents have their grandchildrens' welfare at heart – they know the parents best – they are the best source of information available. At the very least these cases should be monitored more closely, not walked away from.

Another source of apathy is the Judiciary, who bail P users to homes where children live – that's how Riley Osborne ended up brutally murdered.

Government has a lot to answer for. How many dead kids are required before they change their Policies?

Children must NOT live with known drug users (and the Grandparents know who they are), and drug users must NOT be bailed to homes where children live.

Children rely on adults to keep them safe. If CYF refocused on that aspect of their job, fewer children would be harmed.

ENDS

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