1000 Days to Get it Right for Every Child: Government Budget Must Invest in the Youngest Children

Ahead of the 2012 Budget on Thursday, Every Child Counts* reminds the government of the need for policies that invest in young children to deliver positive long-term outcomes for children, families, communities and the economy.

“As we head into Budget 2012, it is time for the government to publicly acknowledge the significant return on effective investment in children and assure the public that their policies will improve life for our most vulnerable children,” says Jenny Prince, Every Child Counts Steering Group member and CE of Plunket. 

“The Global Financial Crisis requires government to be cautious about its spending and ensure that it is effective.  Numerous reports to government and non-government organisations reinforce that spending to improve the health and education of children delivers the best return on investment in both the short- and long-term. 

“However, the effectiveness of that spending is greatly enhanced where there is a coherent and coordinated approach that ensures all children have their needs met.  Investment in programmes to address infectious disease, for example, should be underpinned by quality housing and adequate income  Similarly, investment to improve the quality of education in schools should be underpinned by policy that ensures children are healthy and participate in early childhood education so they are school-ready. 

“In this time of recession, it is important for the government to acknowledge the particular needs of children.  During the first 1000 days of life, children undergo their most important physical, mental and emotional development meaning they are especially vulnerable to poverty, violence, poor parenting and social exclusion.  It is imperative that policies do not increase vulnerability by increasing economic hardship or creating barriers to needed goods and services, like housing and health care. 

“Every Child Counts recommends that all policy is assessed for its impact on children through the use of child impact assessments and that all political parties pursue an investment approach in children that ensures their needs are met,” concludes Jenny Prince.

ENDS

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