9. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What is the Government doing to support teen parents?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
An excellent question. Amongst a number of initiatives, on Monday I opened the first of seven supported homes for teen parents, Te Whare Kaupapa Āwhina in Rotorua. We are spending $14.9 million of Budget 2010 on this area, which is the biggest-ever social development investment in teen parents.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
As part of Drivers of Crime, Work and Income is undertaking a project to improve engagement with young parents. We are focusing on maternity and early parenting services. There is strong evidence that effective support reduces offending and improves health, education, and social outcomes for those people. We expect these results to strengthen the referral process and coordination between the Ministry of Health and Work and Income.