Barnardos New Zealand

Media release

6 May 2009
Barnardos welcomes report by Families Commission

Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the report by the Families Commission ‘Healthy families, young minds and developing brains’ released yesterday.

“The report underlines the recent research into the developments of minds and brains of young children, and how these affect families in New Zealand. Barnardos agrees that the quality of interaction and trust within families and between caregivers and children, in particular in early childhood, is crucial. Children who experience neglect, stress, abuse or trauma are likely to impair the development of their brain”, says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ”.

“The report also highlights the high levels of recorded violence and abuse of children in New Zealand compared to international standards. Barnardos own experience confirms that children experience unintentional and sometimes unrecognised stress and neglect as parents struggle to survive, for example, in poverty. Children can grow up insecure and aggressive, resulting in impaired emotional, intellectual and social functioning, which is likely to continue to adulthood”.

“It is important for parents to show their children warmth, love, care and understanding, and provide them a home where they can grow up feeling secure and safe” concludes Mr Edridge.

ENDS

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