Minister's foreword
The Statement of Intent 2011–2014 sets out the major priorities for which the Ministry of Social Development will be responsible in the next three years.
The Government’s two main goals for 2011 are building better public services and a stronger economy. The Ministry of Social Development has a part to play in both of these.
I am extremely proud of the way that the Ministry and its staff swung into action after the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch. Within an hour of the February earthquake, the Ministry had the Government helpline up and running, providing a 24/7 telephone service. In the first 14 days after the earthquake, Ministry staff fielded 94,000 crisis line calls, staffed eight welfare centres, telephoned 23,200 elderly and vulnerable people to make sure they were okay, supported isolated communities from Work and Income vans, set up eight Recovery Assistance Centres and remained open all weekend to give assistance and advice.
The road to recovery for Christchurch has only just started. This Government is developing programmes to support the economic and social recovery in Christchurch.
The welfare system is close to the hearts of all New Zealanders. We want a system that will support those while they find work, or if they are not able to work. But we cannot abandon people on benefits when there are opportunities for them to take. In spite of the difficult economy, the Ministry has continued the unrelenting focus on work.
The Government tasked the Welfare Working Group with taking a fresh look at the problem of long-term dependency on the welfare system. We want to improve the results we are getting from the welfare system both socially and financially for New Zealand. Getting people into paid work gets them into a better life and a better life is the goal we have for all New Zealanders.
Young people were disproportionately affected by the recession. This year we will progress the Youth Guarantee scheme and implement programmes that will focus on keeping young people out of the welfare system. I expect that government departments will work together to make sure that young people have good quality and relevant education that prepares them for the workforce.
Some youth are already trapped in the welfare system. Their outlook is bleak if they cannot get out. Employment programmes tailored to address young people’s different barriers to employment will help give them the confidence and skills to get their feet in the door for a lifetime in work.
Most children and young people in New Zealand thrive and flourish, thanks to the dedication of their families, supported by strong communities. However, hundreds of children and young people are growing up unsafe and unprotected. Many are abused and neglected by the very people who should love and protect them. No child’s life should begin this way. However, when it does, the harm is substantial, long lasting and devastating for them, their families and our communities.
When adults do not meet their most basic duty to protect and care for their children, the Government will step in to ensure these vulnerable children and young people are cared for and protected. Agencies need to be able to share information effectively about children and young people who are at risk and work together more closely to help the children who need it most. We will be looking at ways of really tightening up the services across government, getting better results from early intervention programmes and getting better services for children in State care.
Children and young people in State care are a priority for this Government, because we now that they are likely to have poorer outcomes than their peers. These children need to have their general health and mental health needs better met, so they can have the best opportunities in life.
However, the best thing for a child who has come into State care is a permanent home. A home where they can form strong attachments and bonds with caregivers. There are more than 5,000 children in Child, Youth and Family custody and every one of them deserves a secure home. There is now more support than ever before to help caregivers welcome children into their homes.
Young parents may need a bit more help to raise their children. The Ministry will be helping them to get parenting, budgeting and life skills, as well as make plans for their future in education or work. The idea is to ensure young parents are equipped to be independent, good parents. Some teen parents need even more support, which will be offered from supported homes. This includes extra support for teen dads to be the best parents they can be. The support also continues once they leave the home, to ensure they get off to the right start.
While the tragic events in Christchurch have been at the forefront of our minds, we must still focus on making sure that Auckland can excel as an international economic hub and be developed as a world-class city. This Government is bringing together local and central government agencies to walk beside the Auckland City Council to work on Auckland’s social issues collaboratively. The Ministry will be a key agency involved with this work.
We are at an important point in our journey. This is our time to consider how we embrace different ways of thinking. There is a huge amount of transformation work that is going ahead. Doing things differently will achieve better futures for all New Zealanders.
The Ministry has outlined its programme of action in this Statement of Intent. Focusing across the lifespans of all New Zealanders and their communities, the Ministry makes a significant contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of our country.
Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development and Employment
