The Government has announced a new kaupapa which ensures key agencies and professionals who work with children are better connected so that vulnerable tamariki can get the help they need - and at the right time.

The White Paper outlines proposals which will strengthen community response to children at risk, get tougher when dealing with abusers, ensure professionals can make better use of the information available and prioritise services to those who most need them.

Te Puni Kōkiri Chief Executive Leith Comer said “every child, every whānau, every future is precious and we must do everything we can to make sure they get to live out a full and happy life.”

Protecting vulnerable children is everyone’s responsibility. The White Paper sets out how everyone can play their part. It is only by working together that we will be able to achieve our goal.

“We have to get real about how to meet this challenge head on and I will be working with others social sector Chief Executives who together, make up the Vulnerable Children’s Board. We will be accountable to Government for achieving results for vulnerable children.”

Whānau Ora has a focus on empowering whānau and building whānau capability to be cohesive and nurturing. It will be part of the mix of opportunities available in communities and along with other NGOs and whānau themselves, will play a role in supporting vulnerable children.”

Led by Te Puni Kōkiri, Whānau Ora is an inclusive interagency approach to providing health and social services to build the capacity of all New Zealand families in need. It empowers whānau as a whole rather than focusing separately on individual family members and their problems.

For more information about the White Paper please go to: www.childrensactionplan.govt.nz

Editor’s Note. Vulnerable Children’s Board members are the chief executives of: Te Puni Kōkiri; the Ministries of Social Development, Health, Education and Justice; the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Housing); NZ Police.