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

Cross-party: A small minority of submissions expressed support for an action plan beingcross-party. An action plan could be developed in conjunction with a range of political parties,to ensure it is not subject to the electoral cycle.There should be cross-party talks. The wellbeing of our vulnerable children should bean issue across the parties and they should all have to work together. (frontline worker)Actions included in a plan: In response to this question, a small minority of submissionssuggested the following actions could be included in a plan:• reducing child maltreatment• reducing child poverty• reducing social inequality• promoting child friendly environments.A small minority of submissions suggested other actions that could be included:• reducing gaps in service provision• increasing family spending power• increasing support to teen parents• reducing youth unemployment.How can an action plan help improve outcomes for vulnerable children?Submissions proposed various ideas about how an action plan could help improve outcomesfor vulnerable children.Set goals and targets: A large minority of submissions said an action plan would allowgovernment to set goals and targets.Gives goals to work towards. Common standard. Everyone working towards the sameoutcomes. Equity across country and institutions. If you aim at nothing you’re boundto reach it. (frontline worker)An action plan only works if there is commitment to carry it out which is [a] factor oftenmissing from social policy. It needs to not be vague ideals and wishes – it needs tobe quantifiable actions that can be clearly worked towards. SMART actions – Specific,Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. (frontline worker)Workable and action-focused: A large minority of submissions said to be effective an actionplan should be both workable and action-focused, that it should be practical and feasible interms of delivery, and funded properly.Make it real, non-political and action based, where communities have responsibilityand measurable outcomes to achieve. (frontline worker)Less word and bureaucracy and more positive and practical action. (frontline worker)78 Show Leadership