MEDIA RELEASE
28 June 2012

Jigsaw Says Government Plans to Change Social Services is an Opportunity

Child abuse prevention network, Jigsaw says the Government’s planned changes to social service sector contracts is an opportunity to “get it right” for children and families.

The Minister for Social Development, Paula Bennett, outlined initial plans at a briefing for Government and Non-Government Organisations at parliament this morning. They include better use of multi-year and multi-agency contracts, targeted funding and better ways of measuring what results are being achieved. More details are to be released before the end of the year.

Jigsaw’s Chief Executive (Strategic Relationships) Tau Huirama, says Jigsaw backs moves to improve and build up the services that are working.

He acknowledges that some social service providers may be struggling to make ends meet and will have work to do to improve their operations. “I believe we owe it to the families and children who need us to be the best we can,” Tau says.

Tau says that Jigsaw has always advocated that programmes should be fully evaluated to see what works to keep children safe. Those programmes should then be expanded to other areas.

Jigsaw is a network of 42 social service agencies working on the front line to prevent child abuse and support families to raise their children in safe, nurturing ways.

Tau Huirama says Jigsaw is keen to collaborate with other networks and organisations to find a new way forward to prevent child abuse and neglect.

ENDS

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