Caregiver's battle for fair treatment

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Tue, 14 Feb 2012 7:00p.m.

Marita, Cliff and Johnny Robinson

Marita, Cliff and Johnny Robinson

Cliff Robinson has worked for free for the past 40 years, taking full-time care of his two intellectually disabled children, Marita and Johnny.

He believes he's being discriminated against because he has chosen to take care of his children rather than put them in full-time care.

Ten years ago Cliff went to the Human Rights Review Tribunal with other parents and won. He also won in the High Court.

However, the Ministry Of Health is afraid his case will open the floodgates and has gone to the Court Of Appeal.

Campbell Live spoke to Cliff, Johnny and Marita Robinson.

Watch the video for the full report from Whena Owen

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Comments

17 Feb 2012 09:24p.m.

Ann wrote:

These families have struggled. Some of the parents have had NO WINZ benefits at all. They have forgone high flying careers to care for their severely disabled children. One mother has had NO state formal relief care as the needs of her daughter are too high, and as there is no safe provision of care funded for under 65 yrs for this level of need. The state would previously have funded care in Psychopaedic hospitals such as Kimberley which are now closed, paying others but not the parents, resulting in their exploitation and discrimination. The parents need help!

15 Feb 2012 01:55p.m.

ridley wrote:

His kids his responsibility,Whats the matter is he and the rest of them not getting enough wins hand outs already.

15 Feb 2012 10:27a.m.

jan.. wrote:

A brilliant father and a gare giver caring for his handicap childrens deserves a metal and not discriminate a 40 years worth of experiences caring for the ill.. Cliff Robinson and his childrens are happy and healthy but who are you to separate the happy family.. This government separated childrens from parents and childrens life are today a disater that left the unsolved marks of disgrace..
Most parents are volunteer bringing there handicap children up by teaching them how to survive in the community and its a long road for many with a little helps from the Board of Health Department.. These parents succeded just like Cliff Robinson and I think the Government better start paying up to parents that didn't claim benefit by caring for there ill families for over 30 years or more..
The complainers are must be bloody idiots to think of discrimination on a job well done.. Get real Pals..





15 Feb 2012 09:42a.m.

Emily wrote:

The government is already supporting the Robinson family, and has done so for the last 40 years. All three members of the family will have been receiving benefits from the government, so the tax payer has actually invested around $1.7 million over the last 40 years, based on current minimum benefit rates. Not many people would complain about receiving $1.7 million.

14 Feb 2012 11:42p.m.

Kiwigirl wrote:

I hope that Cliff is successful in his admirable efforts to have family based care recognised by the New Zealand government. Looking after someone with a disability is by no means a simple task. There should be choice and support for those who wish to undertake this for their own. Good on you Cliff.