Media statement
For immediate release
Monday, 6 March 2006

Turner unimpressed by CYF merger

United Future's family spokesperson, Judy Turner, says the major changes needed to improve Child, Youth and Family services are yet to happen.

The government announced today that CYF is to merge with the Ministry of Social Development.

"This merger may or may not improve the operations of CYF ? what I care about is whether it improves the lives of the children of New Zealand," said Mrs Turner.

"The only way our most vulnerable children will be better protected is when more notifications of children at risk are contracted out to competent community agencies.

"CYF will never get on top of the phenomenal number of notifications until they contract their medium to low risk cases to competent community agencies and focus their attention on the costly, high-risk cases."

Since early 2004 and the release of the party's report on CYF, United Future has consistently battled for CYF to increase its connections with community agencies.

"This merger is only targeting the management structure of CYF; there will be no change to frontline staff.

"What's needed is a major attitude change within CYF ? I don't believe this merger will address the areas that need urgent work," said Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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