6 December 2002

CYF Blamed But Root Causes Overlooked Again

Christian Heritage calls on the Hon. Steve Maharey to do more than merely conduct yet another retributive campaign on staff in CYF, following the latest problem case culminating in the murder of two Wairarapa girls.

“How many enquires are necessary to show that CYF will never be able to cope with the growing number of broken and complex family situations?” Party Leader Graham Capill asked today.

“Until the government looks at root causes and becomes more proactive in encouraging marriage as the preferred model, with fewer reasons to separate and greater incentives to work through difficulties, children will continue to be the victims of crime.

“Enquiries and sackings within CYS have not and will not solve the problem. It will only discourage young people in contemplating social work as a career option.

“For some time now, CYS has failed to deal with the complexity of the problems that confront it. It is time for the Minister to try a new remedy, perhaps using the proposed Family Commission as a vehicle for positive change.

“Punitive measures will fail. Prevention is the only way forward, but that will take greater honesty on the part of all New Zealanders – to admit that marriage break up is detrimental to children,” Mr Capill concluded.

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