3. TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What changes is the Government making to Family Start to ensure a greater focus on protecting children from abuse and neglect?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I announced today changes to the governance, design, and delivery of Family Start. We know early intervention works. We know home visiting works. It is the right approach. But the research shows that Family Start’s focus has drifted over time, and that effectiveness varies from provider to provider. We can do better.
DAVID BENNETTFamily Start currently delivers services to 6,000 families at a cost to taxpayers of $30 million, which is the largest Government spend on any early-intervention programme. We can do better by these children and their families. They need us, and I am fully committed to ensuring that we will do better by them.