Report calls for independent monitoring of CYF and complaints process

The Government is investigating expanding the Office of Children's Commissioner to provide a independent monitoring role of Child Youth and Family.  This follows the release of an independent report by former Police commissioner Howard Broad which examined options to strengthen the Child Youth and Family complaints process. 

The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development as undertaken in the White Paper on Vulnerable Children, provided three options for a more robust complaints process: minor changes to the status quo, expanding the capability of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner or establishing a stand-alone investigation authority.

The report highlighted Mr Broad's concern that children were not being heard in the process. "Without a doubt, the most troubling recurring theme encountered in this review was the absence of the voice of the child into the complaint system."  The report also noted a "deafening concern" by interviewees that CYF is largely uncontactable outside of its call centre.  Mr Broad believes greater resourcing for the Office of the Children's Commissioner would enable the Office to fulfil its monitoring role around vulnerable children.

Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett said the report illustrates that most CYF social workers do the job well but "sometimes social work practice could be better". She said, "Children need to be heard and acknowledged in this process and families should feel able to participate fully – we can do better in both respects".

Children's Commissioner Russell Wills declined to comment while the report was being considered by the Minister.

Media:

Kids' voices 'absent in CYF complaints', Dominion Post, 13.09.2013

CYF complaints process under scrutiny, TVNZ, 12.09.2013

Government considers CYF complaints process, Beehive, 12.09.2013