Policy responses and legislation have been formed by the New Zealand Government who have noticed the increasing issue of child abuse in New Zealand. New Zealand has been developing certain initiatives and ideas that could have the potential to reduce violence against children. However, legislation lacks depth when it comes to child abuse and child abuse prevention.
Care of Children Act 2004
- Fundamental purpose of the Act is to recognise certain rights of children
- Encourages co-operative parenting, recognising the many types of family arrangements that now exist, provide for more openness in family court processes and gives court more options when dealing with breaches of court orders
The Children Young Persons and Families Act 1989
- Defines the role of the State in New Zealand and the care and protection of children
- Strongly emphasises assistance to parents, families, whanau, hapu, iwi and family groups to discharge their responsibilities to prevent children suffering harm, ill treatment, abuse, neglect or deprivation and to provide direct assistance to children
Crime Act 1961.
- Only legislation that specifically focus on a form of child abuse
- The Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill passed law which removes from the Crimes Act the statutory defence of “reasonable force” to correct a child, meaning there will be no justification for the use of force for that purpose
Green Paper for Action
- Response to protecting the vulnerable children from many issues, not just child abuse.
- It will address children’s needs and best asses the policies and practices across government sectors that could be achieved through this action plan