Heads Must Roll

Thursday 5 Jun 2003 Dr Muriel Newman Press Releases -- Social Welfare

ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded answers from the Government, in the wake of reports that two girls were found in drug convulsions after running away from a Dunedin-based Child, Youth and Family Home.

"This situation is yet another in a litany of failure by CYF to adequately manage and control children in its care. It raises serious questions about the department's ability to manage its children's' homes," Dr Newman said.

"The department is investigating the case. The results must be made public. Given that the home had `gone to pack' since new managers were employed by CYF late last year, I demand to know what CYF Minister Ruth Dyson intends to do about it. Will the management contract now be terminated?

"The public also deserves to know the answers to a number of important questions: how were these managers chosen, and what credentials they have? What care programmes are in place for these girls, and did they have curfews? Why did they have access to drugs, and why were they able to smoke in the home - does the Labour Government's anti-smoking agenda not include troubled teenage girls?

"Ms Dyson must come clean, and tell the public what she intends to do about this. Those responsible must be held responsible, and heads must roll. I demand that Ms Dyson take immediate action, and prove that she is not as incompetent as her predecessor," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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