9. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports has she received regarding the number of unallocated cases within Child, Youth and Family?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I am delighted to report to the House that I have received a report that the number of unallocated cases has plummeted by 83 percent over the last 3 years. This is an absolutely fantastic achievement. It is the result of a continued focus within all Child, Youth and Family sites on providing the right services to children, young people, and their families, and ensuring that they get these services as quickly as possible.
I can advise the House that I visited the Child, Youth and Family office in Whakatāne with the member who is asking the question. Social workers and managers at that office were delighted to inform me that every single case has been allocated within the required time frames. Local managers and staff are intent on providing excellent services to their community, and they deserve to be congratulated on this outstanding achievement.
Sue BradfordIs the Government going to implement the Children’s Commissioner’s call for systematic assessment and intervention, where needed, for all babies, children, and young people in order to change the reality faced by those New Zealand children for whom, as the commissioner said today, the battle for survival remains a major challenge?