Child Youth and Family and Police Co-locate in Whakatane

The co-location of Child Youth and Family and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Child Protection Team and Family Violence unit will seek to ensure the best possible outcomes for the victims of serious child abuse and their families in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The co-location site – Te Äwhiti – was officially opened in Pyne Street, Whakatane, by the Minister for Police, Hon. Judith Collins, this morning (Monday 21 November, 2011). Te Äwhiti means to be "ever-vigilant" and "watchful".

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander, Inspector Sandra Venables, says the physical environment of the co-location facility has been specifically designed for victims and their families.

"Tragically, serious child abuse is a sad reality across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, and the physical co-location ensures we have the right people in the same place to help address this issue.

"Just as importantly, the co-location facility has specifically been designed as a safe environment for victims and their families. Significantly, it is not a Police Station and there are never any offenders here. We only deal with victims and their families here and so the facility has been set up specifically for their needs."

Inspector Venables says the co-location site includes facilities for interviews and medical examinations, combined with the support of Police and CYF staff.

"This means victims are receiving the best care and service in one place. Our focus is on putting the victim first and we have created a safe and caring environment to allow that to happen."

Between October 2010 and October 2011, the EBOP Police Child Protection Team and Whakatane CYF Office investigated 225 reports of concern under the Child Protection Protocol.

You can read the full press release via Scoop here.

Photo Credit: Istock Photo