This report is concerned with welfare reform, or more specifically the reform of child protection policy in New Zealand. It will summarise the historical development of child protection policy and outline the current system, as well as its failings. The topic is of increasing importance, as it is obvious, through the media especially, that New Zealand has very poor child abuse and neglect rates within developed nations. This is simply unacceptable and thus, this report serves to demonstrate that one policy development, namely the introduction of the DRM is a positive step toward reform but must be teamed with the following recommendations:
- Empower community providers and NGOs, as it is these groups who are often better equipped to consider the needs of their communities.
- Adopt a less-is-more approach.
- Introduce whole of government and public health models into child protection policy.
- Research should inform policy reform.
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Click below to navigate to sections of the report:
Analytical Framework and Analysis
Discussion and Policy Recommendations
