13 May 2005

Chance for children and families to raise their voices

Children and families in Auckland city have until 24 June 2005 to have their say about the council’s draft child and family policy, Growing up together.

The overall aim of the policy is to make Auckland a nurturing, exciting and safe city for all children and their families. More specifically, it aims to promote dialogue between children, families and the council, and will encourage Auckland City Council staff to consider children and families needs when planning projects and making important decisions.

The policy has four main goals and a number of objectives. These were developed after consulting in 2004 with almost 1000 children aged between 2 and 13 and key adult stakeholders.

The chairperson of Auckland City’s Community Development and Equity Committee Councillor Dr. Cathy Casey, says the council is proud to be taking a leadership role in the Auckland region with the development of the draft child and family policy.

“This policy is a first step in a much longer process that will give more of a voice to children and address the concerns and issues facing families in the city, both now and in the future.

“I encourage everybody to have their say about how we can make Auckland a better city for all children and their families,” she says.

To find out more information or to have their say about Growing up together families can: visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/childandfamily to view the draft policy or complete an online comment form request a comment form or copy of the draft policy by calling Auckland City on (09) 379 2020. A child version of the policy is also available pick up a comment form or copy of the draft policy from their local library or Auckland City service centre from Friday 20 May.

A kids’ colouring-in competition is being run in conjunction with the consultation, offering families the chance to win an Ak@Play goodie pack. The competition is on the back of the comment form and also available at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/childandfamily

Once the submissions close, councillors will review the comments and amend the draft policy. The final policy will then go to a full council meeting for approval.

The child and family policy will complement the existing Youth Action policy, which sets out Auckland City’s priorities for 12 to 24 year olds. Like Youth Action, the child and family policy will have an annual action plan that details how the policy will be implemented.

ENDS

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