Barnardos Media Statement
3rd September 2009

Government child abuse prevention initiatives welcome

Barnardos New Zealand has welcomed the raft of government initiatives announced today aimed at preventing child abuse and improving responses to children at risk.

“We are pleased to see the government investing in practical measures aimed at improving data and monitoring systems, as well as ensuring better coordination among the multiple agencies that work with children and families. These are important initiatives designed to ensure a timely and appropriate response when children are at risk,” said Barnardos Chief Executive Murray Edridge.

“We also welcome the campaign to educate people about not shaking babies. It has been some years since a campaign such as this has run in New Zealand and it’s timely for parents and caregivers to be reminded of the risks associated with shaking, or roughly treating an infant.

“Preventing and responding to child abuse requires a concerted effort on the part of government, non-government organisations, communities and families. It also requires our nation to invest adequate resources to ensure services and support aimed at families with young children are sustainable long-term.

“We welcome the initiatives announced today as a positive contribution to existing efforts and we hope they will form the basis for further developments in this important area of government policy in the years ahead,” concluded Mr Edridge.

ENDS

© Scoop Media