Community Safety And The Protecting Our ... - Auckland Council

In terms of stopping violence against children from happening in the first place, there isunfortunately no “silver bullet”. It is recognised that a multi-dimensional, longtermapproach is needed. That means developing a range of preventativeprojects/programmes rather than a single one, because the issues/needs/trigger pointsfor individuals, families and communities are all different. Similarly, careful considerationneeds to be given to the development of ethnically and culturally supportive preventionstrategies and projects - as mentioned earlier in section three, a “one size fits all”approach will simply not work. Research also reinforces the need to build on/expandexisting services and providers, rather than develop a number of brand new servicesand providers.Some of the many factors believed to contribute to stopping violence in our families andsociety include 9 :qqqqqqqqqqqqqIncreasing the value society places on childrenIncreasing economic self sufficiency of familiesEnhancing community resources, networks and social supportsDiscouraging corporal punishmentPromoting accessible and affordable healthcareImproving social services – taking a holistic approach, focusing on strengths offamilies/whanau, looking at needs of preschoolers and their caregiversTreating alcohol and drug abuseIdentifying and treating mental health problemsPromoting available and affordable childcareIncreasing participation in early childhood education – enhancing child developmentand creative playPreventing unwanted pregnanciesTargeting increased investment in lower socio-economic areas and starting positiveinterventions/support as early as possible in a child’s life.Increasing parental understanding of child development and parenting rolesespecially via homevisiting type programmes6. PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR ACTIONLots of Great Ideas for ProjectsAs a result of the key informant interview process that supported the development of theProtecting our Tamariki Project, 61 potential projects were identified that clusteredaround the following twelve themes:qqqqqTrainingAwareness campaignsCitywide screeningAdvocacyMore support for existing family violence prevention services9 Compiled from a range of sources including; Fanslow J, McGregor K, Coggan C, Bennett S, andMcKenzie D “Research into Programmes to Prevent Intentional Injury and Violence to Children”Injury Prevention Research Centre Report Series No. 52PAGE 9