MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 22nd December 2008

Adults in Child’s life fail him

While all of us can feel for everyone in the community of Kerikeri we have to remember that this child’s rights have been violated. The basic right of every child, to feel safe and secure in their home.

Once again the alarming pattern has been repeated. We all have a responsibility to ensure there is never a reason for any adult to cross the line and seriously injure a child.

The life threatening injuries to the 15 month old toddler in Kerikeri, again asks the question, why did it happen, and what could have been done to prevent it?

CPS Child Protection spokesperson Geoff Tookey, say’s, “at a time like this our thoughts must be with the baby, let’s not talk about another statistic, but the tragic outcome for this young toddler. We may worry about the personal cost of saying something, of speaking out, of being an advocate for the child, but it’s the child who pays the price if we do not speak out. It is not easy to intervene, and we applaud all those people who do take action to seek help’.
Every child in New Zealand has a right to be protected. A 15 month old cannot pick up the phone and call 0800 family (326 459) but you can.
Let us make this festive season be safe and happy for every child.

ENDS

www.cps.org.nz

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