1000 days to get it right for every child: efforts to protect children from abuse a welcome move

Government plans to standardise the screening of people working with children, increase the reporting requirements of State agencies, and constrain the movements of people who pose a safety risk to children are positive moves, says Every Child Counts.

“The announcements made today demonstrate a strong government commitment to ensuring the right systems are in place to help protect children from abuse,” says Every Child Counts manager Deborah Morris-Travers.

“We welcome the leadership that will be required of State agencies and the requirement for them to have child protection policies in place. Leadership is central to building a society and culture that protects children and policies that ensure appropriate screening of people working with children are fundamental.

“The proposed Child Harm Prevention Orders, designed to constrain the movements of anyone who poses a risk to children, signal clearly that involvement in the lives of children is a privilege and our nation will not tolerate child abuse. However, we are mindful that this proposal is yet to be assessed for Bill of Rights implications and it is likely there will need to be a high standard of evidence before such orders can be imposed.

“Any effort to protect children from abuse and neglect has to be welcomed. These systemic changes are all important steps in the effort to create a society that values and nurtures its children. We welcome today’s announcements and encourage the government to continue working to improve life for every child in Aotearoa NZ,” says Every Child Counts manager, Deborah Morris-Travers.

ENDS

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