18 November 2013

Media Release

For immediate release

Health Committee report warmly welcomed

Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the findings of the 2012 Health Committee inquiry into child health outcomes and preventing child abuse.

“It’s very pleasing to see that the committee has highlighted the need for early interventions to promote children’s wellbeing in New Zealand, prevent child abuse and break cycles of disadvantage for children.

“As the committee has stated, the greatest gains and cost savings will come from effective evidence-based early interventions,” Barnardos, Chief Executive, Jeff Sanders says.

Barnardos also welcomes the committee’s recommendation to Government that it continue to actively consider the recommendations in Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand: evidence for action, a report by the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty.

In its submission, Barnardos told the committee that child poverty is the significant determining factor in infant and child wellbeing:

“The impacts of poverty are evident from the very start of a child’s life and impact across a range of wellbeing/measures/factors “.

“We are very pleased that the Committee heard our, and others’ concerns about the impact of poverty on children.”

The committee also identified the overwhelming evidence regarding the benefit of good-quality education (formal or informal) from the earliest age.

“We agree. As an organisation providing early childhood care and education to more than 3500 under-fives in New Zealand, we emphasised to the committee the value of enabling participation in early childhood education services.”

“It is very pleasing to see a continuing commitment by Government, and in this case a cross-party committee, to improving outcomes for New Zealand children.

“We believe it is essential that there is cross-party support for the Children’s Action Plan http://www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz/ being implemented by Government.

“Barnardos is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most trusted child-centred agencies, providing a unique combination of early childhood and social services. We will continue to work with Government and other agencies to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children and their families/whānau.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media