Nurturing marginalised babies

Parents Centres NZ Inc wholeheartedly applauds the success of Sue Bradford’s, Corrections (Mothers of Babies) Amendment Bill in the private members ballot.

For 54 years Parents Centres have been vocal in our support of a Mothers right to nurture and care for her baby and the right of the baby to that care.

"If this bill is successful this means that New Zealand can now significantly improve the way it treats mothers and babies in prison with relation to this care." "The outcome of this can only be beneficial to society as a whole" says Viv Gurrey - Chief Executive Officer of Parents Centres.

"I am thrilled that at last we are making steps to prevent the marginalisation of a small but important segment of our community!"

"Rehabilitation for the inmate has to be a primary concern to society; separating mother and baby impairs that process and may indeed perpetuate an adverse cycle of behaviour for the child" says Gurrey.

"This bill can potentially be a stepping stone on the way to rehabilitation for the mother and has the potential to break the ongoing cycle many of these children face."

"For many women having a baby is the turning point in their life; with the right support; education and guidance this may help."

"Ongoing Parent education and support is critical."

"This is a small but much needed reform of our prison system and Parents Centres encourages support of those able to influence this bill."

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