11 October 2012

White Paper welcomed by Relationships Aotearoa

Relationships Aotearoa welcomes the White Paper for Vulnerable Children, says Acting Chief Executive Shenagh Gleisner.

“It is heartening to see a plan dedicated to protecting and nurturing children, especially the most vulnerable. It is a significant landmark and will have a major impact when implemented fully and effectively.

“It is essential that the expectations upon the parents and families of these children are high, that they are helped to fulfil their responsibilities and that New Zealanders are encouraged to be solidly behind investment in the success of this plan.

“The implementation must receive long term investment and commitment, across political parties, across sectors, across generations. Relationships Aotearoa welcomes the opportunity for the NGO sector to be central in this effort.

“We particularly welcome the focus on making sure the help offered to parents is based on evidence of what really works well. Relationships Aotearoa is highly committed to deliver tangible outcomes and already learns from, and reports on, what our interventions are achieving with families and parents.
“We have a professional workforce already working with families, couples and individuals who are caring for children. Relationships Aotearoa intends to be an important part of the wrap around effort outlined in this paper to support children and their families/ whānau.

“Relationships Aotearoa also has a role in supporting families at times of transition or pain - times that children are particularly stressed and in need. Intervening at these difficult times can prevent children ever reaching the point of profound vulnerability.”
ends

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