Relevant links

Supportive Government enquiries/document/discussion papers over the last decade for the case of intensive, targeted, comprehensive, long-term home visiting programmes for families with multiple difficulties.

Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children: Consequences of Emotional Neglect in Childhood by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. This booklet (a 333kB PDF file) is one in a series developed by the ChildTrauma Academy to assist parents, caregivers, teachers and various professionals working with maltreated and traumatized children. It is promoted by brainwave.org.nz, which is distributing some very interesting information about the developing infant brain - in particular Dr. Bruce Perry's work.
The Discipline and Guidance of Children: A Summary of Research published by the Office of the Commissioner for Children in conjunction with the Children's Issues Centre University of Otago (June 2004). This summary of a review of research commissioned by the Office in 2003, and is intended to provide parents and professionals with important information about the effects of physical punishment on children's behaviour and well-being. The report is timely as we debate how to better protect our children, in light of a damaging UNICEF report titled "A League Table of Child Maltreatment Deaths in Rich Nations", which shows that New Zealand fares poorly with high rates of maltreatment of children.
Child Youth and Family 2003 Baseline Review (February 2004). Carried out by the Treasury, the Ministry of Social Development, and Child, Youth and Family, the review covered the Department’s role and services, and how these services are delivered. It also considered the appropriate level of resources the Department needs to operate effectively.
Ministry of Health (1994) Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention - recommended home visiting for high risk families. These strategies are now published by the Ministry of Youth Affairs at
www.youthaffairs.govt.nz/sec.cfm?i=20 and www.youthaffairs.govt.nz/sec.cfm?i=21
Youth Offending Strategy (Ministries of Justice and Social Development, April 2002). Recommends intervening early.
"About Time" (Department of Corrections report, May 2001). Recommends intervening early.
Agenda for Children, "Making Life Better for Children", June 2002 (Ministry of Social Development). Recommends intervening early. Visit Ministry of Social Development's website.
Te Rito New Zealand Family Violence Prevention Strategy, February 2002 (Ministry of Social Development). Recommends intervening early.