PRESS Release - SOCIAL INVESTMENT PACKAGE A WELCOME FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

Whanau Ora Community Clinic Director George Ngatai says the $68.8m to support children most at risk of long term disadvantage is well overdue and looks forward to seeing how this resource will benefit the grass roots Whanau and communities it has been identified for.

Mr Ngatai who has worked hard in South Auckland for more than 15 years sees first hand the issues which young people and Whanau face in his community.

"We have set up 9 medical centres not only in Auckland but as far South as Christchurch which are easy access and low cost to ensure that at least health needs are able to be addressed", but having other funding to work on social issues for young people will go even further to support our vulnerable communities even more.

Social Investment Minister Amy Adams announced that Budget 2017 will include a $321m social Investment package which will fund 14 initiatives Minister Adams said.

"A key part of the package is about supporting children most at risk of long-term disadvantage, with $68.8 million confirmed today as being targeted at children with behavioural issues, communication problems or a challenging family environment."

Prime Minister Bill English provided more detail saying

"The new funding will allow for the nationwide roll-out of Family Start – a programme that provides intensive, weekly in-home support targeting young children in homes where there may be mental health issues, addiction problems, family violence or other child development risks. This programme has proven to work well in certain communities, but we want it to be available to all New Zealand families who need it.

The new money also allows us to support a further 1000 children with behavioural issues to improve their self-control.

This is a key factor in their ability to learn, function socially and lead better lives as adolescents and adults.

And finally we will invest in targeted and specialist support for three and four year olds with oral language needs, to help prevent these children from turning up to school unable to communicate properly."

The Budget will be delivered on Thursday 25 May 2017.

The Government recently announced the establishment of a new standalone "Social Investment Agency" and Social Investment Board.

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