The Green Paper for Vulnerable Children - Ministry of Social ...

Other submissions echoed the idea of partnerships with different sorts of communities, such asMāori and Pasifika communities.Emulate initiatives such as the “Kia Tutahi Standing Together” Relationship Accord,which sets expectations about how government agencies and communities willwork together. (frontline worker)Submissions also argued for bringing in or extending existing initiatives that work on apartnership basis within communities, such as Inspiring Communities and Strong Communities(based in South Carolina).Support community development: A minority of submissions argued for communities takingthe lead to identify, plan for and resolve their own issues. In some cases, submissions arguedgovernment needed to be active in building the capacity of communities to come up with theirown solutions. This theme was raised by a large minority of community meetings, submissionsfrom other organisations and NGOs, and to a lesser extent by a minority of frontline workersand a small minority of general public submissions.Submissions gave examples of successful community development initiatives.There are, in New Zealand a number of early childhood centres that have developed arange of services to support their communities. We need to be looking closely at theimpact of these centres and building on their strengths and successes – Te Aroha Noain Palmerston North, Taitoko Kindergarten in Levin, Wanganui Baptist Childcare Centre,Awhi Whānau in Manakau, the Mangere Family Centre and Merivale Community Centrein Tauranga are some examples of successful collaboration. (NGO)Others cautioned about supporting effective community development.The Government must commit to community development programmes that are wellfounded (evidence based), ongoing, and that can be assessed to determine theireffectiveness. (frontline worker)Local government take more responsibility: A small minority ofsubmissions argued local government has an important role indesigning, planning for and implementing policies to meet the needsof vulnerable children and their families. This was especially for:• providing a safe physical environment for children and families• ensuring amenities are available to all sections of the community• regulating the availability of alcohol, convenience food andgambling outlets.A large minority of submissions from other organisations and community meetings raisedthis theme, as did a small minority of NGOs, the general public and frontline workers.Children need to be included as part of the vulnerable groups needing to be prioritisedin local government planning processes with an emphasis on the establishment of childadvocates in larger local authorities. (other organisation)Effective funding from government: A minority of submissions argued for re-examining thedistribution and amount of funding available to support vulnerable children.Practice Changes Policy Changes Show Leadership Share Responsibility Children / Young People Executive SummaryThe Green Paper for Vulnerable Children Full Summary of Submissions71