MEDIA RELEASE

EMBARGOED UNTIL 5AM FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2011

Jigsaw Says Children Need To Be Put At Beginning Of Social Policy Decisions

Child abuse prevention network Jigsaw Family Services says children/tamariki must be put first when changes are made to social or economic policies.

A report out today, He Ara Hou - The New Pathway, shows that Maori and Pasifika children suffer disproportionately in low living standards and experience significantly poorer health, educational and social outcomes than other groups.

Jigsaw Chief Executive (Strategic Relationships) Tau Huirama says we have known for some time that poverty is a factor in violence against women and children, and it’s extremely concerning that the majority of children below the poverty line are either Maori or Pasifika.

“The report shows that social and economic policies are not delivering any real benefits for our most vulnerable tamariki,” Tau says.

“It’s time that we all look through children’s eyes to see the impact that policies and social services have on the most vulnerable.”

Tau Huirama says that by putting children first, our whole nation benefits because children have a chance to grow up to live healthy, happy and fulfilled lives, where they can contribute positively to society.

Jigsaw’s network of 42 social service agencies is very supportive of taking a ‘Whanau Ora’ approach to social service delivery.

“This means they are developing ways of working with whole families, rather than just individuals, to give them the tools to help themselves. It might be help managing anger or stress, or dealing with money problems or alcohol or drug addictions. We believe children have a better future if their families are self-sufficient,” Tau Huirama says.

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