Launch of the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has launched  the Green Paper for Vulnerable  Children Every child thrives, belongs, achieves.  This Green Paper has been developed to start a national conversation on how we value, nurture and protect children. The Green Paper was launched on Wednesday 27 July at 1:00pm in Aotea Square, Queen Street, Auckland.

The Green Paper for Vulnerable Children is a discussion document. It is open for submissions until 28 February 2012. 

Once all submissions have been received and analysed, a White Paper will be released outlining the Vulnerable Children’s Action Plan.

The Green Paper was developed by an independent expert appointed by the Minister for Social Development and Employment. The Ministries of Social Development, Education, Health and the Families Commission were also an integral part of the development which has involved reviewing:

• existing evidence 
• international best practice and consultation and input from experts including non-government and public officials
• consultation with relevant Government Departments

A number of key people were consulted during the development of the Green Paper and two advisory groups provided input. Government officials across the social sector also provided input and feedback.

The Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor consisted of: 

• Dr Susan Morton, Research Director, Growing Up in New Zealand, Centre for Longitudinal Research, University of Auckland 
• Dr Te Kani Kingi , Director; Te Mata o te Tau , The Academy for Maori Research and Scholarship Massey University 
• Professor Stuart McNaughton, Professor of Education, Director of the Wool Fisher Research Centre, Faculty of Education, University of Auckland 
• Dr Trecia Wouldes, Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland 
• Professor Robyn Munford, Director, Practice Research and Professional Development Hub, Massey University 
• Dr Elaine Reese, Associate Professor Department of Psychology, University of Otago 
• Professor David Fergusson, Director, Christchurch Health and Development Study, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch

The Frontline Reference Group, chaired by Murray Edridge (CE of Barnados) consisted of:

• Jenny Prince, Chief Executive, Plunket 
• Katie Murray, Kaiarahi (Chief Executive), Waitomo Papakainga Development Society 
• Dame Lesley Max, Chief Executive, Great Potentials 
• Jeff Sanders, Chief Executive, Relationship Services 
• Dr Teuila Percival, Consultant Paediatrician, Senior Lecturer, Head of Public Health, School of Population Heath, University of Auckland 
• Shila Nair, Senior Advisor & Counsellor, Shakti Community Council Inc 
• Trevor McGlinchey, Chief Executive, New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services 
• Dr John Angus, Children's Commissioner, Office of the Children's Commission (until 30 June 2011) 
• Dr Russell Wills, Children's Commissioner, Office of the Children's Commission (from 1 July 2011) 
• Mark Brown, Principal, Victory Primary School, Nelson

Website for Green Paper for Vulnerable Children (Go to this website for more information about the discussion document and to find out how to have your say.  Submissions close 28 February 2012.

Download the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children: Every child thrives, belongs, achieves  (PDF, 608KB)

More information:

On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/greenpaperonchildren

Launch of the Green Paper Event

Read earlier NZFVC news on the Green Paper: ‘Green Paper Puts Priority on Children’  

Photo: iStockPhoto