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

What other actions or principles would you like to see included in legislation?Some submissions said legislation needed to change to improve services and outcomesfor vulnerable children.Child-centred: A large minority of submissions said that there should be more “child-centred”policy and legislation. This idea was most popular among frontline workers. Submissionsincluded ideas such as implementing a child impact assessment for any relevant legislationbefore it reaches Cabinet, establishing a Children’s Act and establishing a Minister for Children.Put children at the centre of every policy consideration. (frontline worker)Controlling income/spending of beneficiaries: A minority of submissions expressed supportfor controlling the income or spending of beneficiaries. This theme was most frequent amongsubmissions from the general public. Some submissions supported direct payments fromthe welfare agency to providers for essential services, such as housing and power. Othersubmissions suggested making a benefit contingent on fulfilling certain requirements, suchas undertaking mandatory parenting programmes and Well Child checks. A strong theme insubmissions was reducing the incentive to have additional children while receiving a benefit.Some submissions expressed concern that, for some, this was a “lifestyle choice”.Receiving the benefit [should be] dependent on certain criteria being met: not missingPlunket appointments, the home situation checked by a Barnardos supervisor weekly,food purchased with food vouchers…and the rent paid from WINZ directly with thebenefit cut accordingly… . (general public)Harsher consequences: A minority of submissions said there should be harsher consequencesfor child maltreatment. As well as making penalties more severe, there were calls to removename suppression and reverse the burden of proof in cases of child abuse. A minority ofsubmissions also proposed limiting reproductive rights for certain groups of individuals.This idea was most popular among submissions from the general public. Suggestions includedcompulsory birth control or sterilisation for child abusers or parents who have had childrenremoved from their care. Other suggestions included encouraging adoption.NZ must send the message that harming or neglecting children is unacceptable and willnot be tolerated, and that anyone failing in this regard shall be dealt with appropriatelyunder the law, without exception. (NGO)Support for families: A small minority of submissions said there should be more income andresource support for families. This addressed matters such as welfare reform, benefits for thoseon low incomes, and income-splitting for tax purposes.Tax relief for those doing the right things that benefit the family. Often the pressureis on the low earner. (frontline worker)A small minority of submissions supported the following changes to legislation:• legislating for mandatory reporting of child abuse• decreasing alcohol and drug availability• reviewing the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act• increasing legislative support for UNCROCPractice Changes Policy Changes Show Leadership Share Responsibility Children / Young People Executive SummaryThe Green Paper for Vulnerable Children Full Summary of Submissions91