8 April 2016

CYFS Review Positive, But More Work Still to Be Done, Say Social Development Agencies

Lifewise and Wesley Community Action have cautiously welcomed the release of the Minister’s announcement on the future of child protection and care.

“We are pleased the Minister has decided to raise the age of foster care to 18. We look forward to it being raised to 21 in subsequent years,” says David Hanna, Director, Wesley Community Action.

Lifewise and Wesley Community Action agree that putting the voice of young people at the centre of decision-making is critical.

“Most of the children and young people we work with say they want their own families to be in their lives.

So the Minister’s focus on prevention is particularly welcome. Our own innovative work alongside families shows the potential to reduce the numbers of children entering the care system. We see the need for the focus to shift from making children safe by removing them from their families, to making families safe for children,” says Moira Lawler, Chief Executive, Lifewise.

“We look forward to working with the Government on how we put the children’s voices at the centre so that they and their families can shape their positive future together.

“A lot of work has been done by whanau, families, and the community sector. The evidence emerging from this must inform the work ahead.”

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