11. PESETA SAM LOTU-IIGA (National—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How is the Government working to better protect and support our vulnerable children?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
In Budget 2011 we put in $43.7 million to support children in State care, who are our most vulnerable. Part of the package ensures that all children who enter our care—around 2,200 in any given year—will be comprehensively assessed for their health and education needs. We know that, unfortunately, around 88 percent of children coming into State care have previously unidentified health issues, and 40 percent have a mental health disorder. The changes kicked in from 1 July, and so far we have had 136 children in our care be referred for, and go through, the gateway assessments.
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga Link to this
How else is this package supporting New Zealand children in State care?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Our policy change also included 20 hours’ early childhood education for children in State care who are aged between 18 months and 3 years—an investment of more than $11 million—to improve the outcomes for these children. I am delighted that already nearly 100 children have accessed this education, and that number is about a quarter of what we expect in any given year.