Save the Children commends new child-centred approach for Child, Youth and Family

Save the Children commends Cabinet for their leadership in accepting radical changes leading to the overhaul of Child, Youth and Family. The transformation is a step in the right direction towards the creation of systems, partnerships and collaborative relationships that will lead to improved child protection, safeguarding and care.

“The challenges encountered by our children on entering and exiting care are known to us. For example, young people have repeatedly told us of their struggles on exiting care.  This gap has finally been addressed by lifting the age of leaving care to 18 years in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. I am glad that New Zealand has reached a watershed in child protection and safeguarding and although the detail is yet to be worked out, this report puts children at the centre of planning and response” says Heather Hayden CEO of Save the Children.

Save the Children looks forward to seeing adequate financial resources, training and effective support and assessment systems made available to NGOs and communities as they take on more responsibility for children in care.

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