9. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
Does she agree with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s recent report into Children in Care, that priority should be given to research focused on the needs of Māori tamariki and rangatahi in the care system; and, if so, what action is she intending to take to implement the report’s recommendations?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Acting Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Yes; a work programme is being developed on the issue of children in care. What is clear is that outcomes for children who have to be taken into care are far from ideal, whether they are Māori or non-Māori. As I am sure the member will agree, the State should be the parent of last resort.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
What will she do to remedy the report’s findings that approximately half of Māori children in the care population are not currently living with whānau, a fact that undermines current policy and legislation, which has a very strong emphasis on whānau, hapū, and iwi connection?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
First off, the best scenario for children is that their parents and whānau do not harm them. However, where children are not safe and we have to intervene, the first priority is finding them a safe and secure place to live. Ideally, and in many cases, that is with family or whānau, but it is a sobering reality that that is not possible for all of the 4,200 children and young people in Child, Youth and Family care, especially those in short-term care.
Rahui KateneHow will the Minister respond to the finding that when kin placements are not investigated, some Māori and Pasifika children continue to be placed with Pākehā foster parents, which the report concludes is a source of tension, especially when short-term placements drift into long term?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Child, Youth and Family is always seeking to do better, in very difficult situations. However, it is important to note that that covers a range of circumstances, which can make it very difficult for Child, Youth and Family. For instance, some parents refuse to give details to whānau, and sometimes children have to be uplifted urgently at short notice in very serious situations. We are working alongside iwi to make sure that Māori children are in families, not State care, wherever possible.
Tim MacindoeHon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
We recognise that the best outcomes for children in care result from being part of a safe, secure, and permanent family. That is why in August we announced the Home for Life programme to get children and young people out of care and into families. We are developing programmes specifically to help iwi find safe, secure family homes for Māori children in care, such as whānau finders, and extended marae-based family group conferences.