Children’s services hui ‘productive’

ORANGA Tamariki and regional social services providers said a hui in Balclutha yesterday was ‘‘positive and productive’’.

The meeting of the two groups was one of 13 being held nationwide, organised to ‘‘develop a shared understanding of how to address the needs of children in partnership’’, Oranga Tamariki general manager partnerships Peter Galvin said.

At the Balclutha hui were ministry representatives and providers from Southland, Otago, Central Otago and QueenstownLakes.

Among those present was Anglican Family Care director Nicola Taylor, who said it had been a ‘‘great gathering’’ at which the Ministry had signalled ‘‘positive intent’’.

Despite extensive recent media coverage on the imminent closure of residential intervention care facility Roxburgh children’s village, it was not a topic raised, Mrs Taylor said.

‘‘This wasn’t the correct forum for resolving individual issues. This was about Oranga Tamariki engaging our sector locally, listening, and explaining their plans.’’

Key topics covered at the hui included establishing greater consistency in standards of care for children and their families; the introduction of new quality practice frameworks; and deepening partnerships with providers, she said.

The latter subject touched on establishing further multiyear contracts in the sector, and extending their length.

‘‘Clearly there’s no extra money available this year, but I’m feeling very positive about the prospects of funding practices being streamlined in the future.’’

Mr Galvin said feedback from the regional hui would be collated for discussion at a final, national hui in Wellington, on June 28.