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

The [Green] Paper glosses over the fact that the Convention places a positive obligationon governments to provide for the material wellbeing of children in a manner that doesnot discriminate against any one group. (NGO)Sanctions for beneficiaries: A minority of submissions expressed support for sanctions orpenalties for beneficiaries. This included a range of suggestions, such as measures to controlthe spending of beneficiaries, and imposing obligations on receiving a benefit. The idea ofsanctions was most common among general public submissions, and least common amongother organisation and NGO submissions.Government help to families could be in the form of vouchers or coupons for fooditems only. (general public)Beneficiaries must be held accountable for the money they receive to ensure theyare spending appropriately on the children. Attendance at an ECE centre could bemade compulsory for children three years old, with the fee paid directly from WINZ.(frontline worker)Minister for Children and/or Ministry for Children: A small minority of submissions expressedsupport for establishing a Minister or Ministry for Children. This theme was supported by a largeminority of other organisation and community meeting submissions, and a minority of NGOsubmissions.Establishing a Minister for Children who has cross-cutting ministerial responsibility forimproving the outcomes for children would also ensure issues affecting New Zealandchildren are at the forefront of political discourse. (NGO)Other: Submissions proposed other changes that could be made to legislation. Proposals thateach attracted support from a small minority of submissions were:• harsher consequences for child maltreatment• introducing alcohol law reform• imposing requirements on parents receiving the Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB)• introducing a Children’s Act• giving children a greater voice on matters that affect them• reviewing parental leave/support• reviewing the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act• mandating Well Child enrolment• using the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act more effectively• reviewing adoption laws• repealing or retaining the anti-smacking legislation• reviewing the justice system, including Family Court processes• implementing statutory multidisciplinary decision-making in child protection matters• reviewing the rights of the unborn child94 Show Leadership