Jacinda Ardern
Wellington, May 15, 2017
More funding and more independence is required for the Childrens Commissioner to function more effectively in the best interests of Kiwi kids in State care, says Labours spokesperson for children Jacinda Ardern.
More funding needed
The Office of the Childrens Commission State of Care report released today confirms Labours policy to get rid of the Families Commissioner and give more funding to the Children Commissioner to be better equipped to do their job.
Thorough investigations into alleged fight clubs which eventually proved inconclusive continue to raise issues around bullying and violence.
The Childrens Commissioner, Judge Andrew Becroft, has highlighted that conditions at the State Care residences were improving but general practice was variable and the environment was dated and bleak.
These residences need better oversight, but the Childrens Commissioner is currently only able to visit every 18 months. That is just not sufficient.
Mentoring and Advisory services
I support recommendations including better monitoring, better advisory services and more focus on Mori children who make up 70% of the youth prison population.
Labours policy to boost funding to the Childrens Commissioner is because they havent been resourced to do the job properly to ensure the safety of these children and it puts them in a very tough situation.
Child safety should be paramount to Kiwi culture and a Labour-led Government would ensure the resources are in the right place so New Zealanders have confidence in the State that truly cares about these children.
Jacinda Ardern is elected Member of Parliament from Mt Albert and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and its Spokesperson for children.
