Regional Commissioner's foreword

I am pleased to introduce the Ministry of Social Development's 2009/2010 Regional Plan for the Canterbury Region.

Today's economic environment requires that we ensure those people facing tough times get the help they need, while keeping or regaining their independence.

Employment, helping young people to thrive, keeping kids safe, and ensuring value for money are our four key priorities for the coming year.

We will continue to build on and strengthen our relationships and partnerships to help us to make a positive difference in communities.

During the coming year we will introduce a number of new services and programmes in the Canterbury Region. We will also make progress on existing projects and work programmes, including:

• The active promotion of industry partnerships throughout the region to best match jobseekers with industry needs.
• The rollout of Differential Response to all Child, Youth and Family sites in our region. This approach changes the way we deal with notifications reporting concern about child abuse and neglect. We will work more closely with a range of community-based child and family social service agencies.
• The introduction of a new Youth Transition Service. This programme supports young people leaving secondary schools in the Canterbury area. It will ensure all young people are engaged in activities that will help them to develop the essential skills and knowledge needed for their future economic independence.

These initiatives, and many others, are outlined in this plan. Together they will help our children get the best start in life, help our young people to stay out of trouble and to move on to education, employment or skills training, and get our people into work.

Finally, I'd like to thank all the Ministry's staff in the Canterbury Region, and the community, non-government and government groups working with us. Your efforts make a difference in the lives of our communities.

Michelle Mitchell
Regional Commissioner
for Social Development