New bill introduces some reforms to Child, Youth and Family

The Children, Young Persons and Their Families (Advocacy, Workforce, and Age Settings) Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament, containing some of the planned reforms to Child, Youth and Family.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley said the Bill was part of the first stage of the reforms and the development of a new model for care and protection.

Ms Tolley said the Bill introduces four key changes by:

• "Extending the age of state care and protection to a young person’s 18th birthday.
• Ensuring the views of children and young people are taken into account as part of decision making at an individual level and in the development of services and policy.
• Supporting the establishment of an independent youth advocacy service.
• Enabling the broader range of professionals with specialist skills who will widen the expertise within the new model to perform some functions under the Act. Social workers would still be the main professionals responsible for carrying out these functions."

Many of the other recommended reforms are still being reviewed.

For more information about the reforms see the previous New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse stories:

Government announces reforms to Child, Youth and Family

Government establishes panel to lead "major overhaul" of Child, Youth and Family

Panel releases interim report on Child, Youth and Family

Update

Law change sets stage for state care reform, Waatea, 08.12.2016

State care reform Bill passes third reading, Press Release: NZ Government, 07.12.2016

State care reform Bill passes second reading, Press Release: NZ Government, 01.11.2016

State care reform Bill passes first reading, Press Release: NZ Government, 15.06.2016