Gap in abuse data for kids in CYF care
The number of abused children in state care has gone uncounted for 18 months, after years of reporting. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) had included the number in its annual report since 2010/11. Almost 170 children were found to be abused in state care from 2010 to 2015. But the number was not included in the last report for 2015/16.
Green Party social development spokeswoman Jan Logie said that “shows an unwillingness to be accountable”. Measuring how many young people were abused by Child, Youth and Family caregivers was a key step to stopping the abuse.
“There has been a 25 per cent increase in the young people abused by CYF-approved caregivers since the Government started counting so we haven’t been on the path to making kids safer.”
The number steadily increased from 30 children in 2010/11 to 40 children reported as abused in the ministry’s 2014/15 report.
The Minister of Social Development, Anne Tolley, told Logie the number was excluded as the reporting methodology was changing dramatically. She said all types of abuse would be considered, not just serious abuse.
Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki spokesman Greg Versalko said a 2014 review found that the previous methodology had a narrow focus. “The number of children abused while in CYF care in the 2015/16 financial year is, therefore, not available.
“A new methodology is being applied and data is currently being gathered and analysed.
“The safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in our care is paramount and as a new ministry we are on a journey of transformational change to deliver positive long-term outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.”
Logie suggested the Government could continue to report on serious abuse while it added a new category for other abuse under the new methodology.
The MSD 2010/11 annual report stated that from that year it would report nationally on children in care who had been abused. The report said this was an “important step to ensure the safety and quality of our care is monitored on a regular and ongoing basis”.
Tolley and Prime Minister Bill English have so far refused an independent inquiry into the historical abuse of children in state care despite two petitions signed by more than 2000 people. Peaceful Shelly Park Beach is being disrupted by a feud between neighbours about this clothesline. knew that the line, which was on the property before she moved in, was on reserve land, but she had nowhere else to put it.
It was well away from where the public walked, and other residents were also using the reserve as their own property, Reynolds said.
“I don’t complain about the big trampoline down there [at another neighbour’s house], because the kids enjoy it. And she [Newton] has put a concrete slab [on the reserve] for her chairs and planted olive trees, with a hammock between . . . It isn’t fair.”
The local board is set to decide if Reynolds can return her washing line to the reserve. A council report recommends the request be declined.