'Child abuse intervention happening too late' - expert

2/08/2012 4:42:05 p.m.

Moera wrote:

Alison what makes you think that 'key' people haven't already been placed into 'key' areas? The problem is lack of educated manpower. Yes, I agree with you that there is an unprecedented amount of unemployed in NZ BUT not every unemployed person would be capable of dealing with 'high risk' families and they will still need some form of education and experience before they're even able to work with families. You can't employ people who don't have the necessary skills to cope with high risk families (they end up doing more damaged than good)...that's why potential employees are screened. Not because they are incapable of doing the job but whether they have the 'street smarts'/maturity and can cope with emotional stress that this particular work will bombard them with, among other things. A person with a degree fresh out of College doesn't necessarily mean they're qualified either, although eventually a frontline worker is required to have some form of degree/ticket. Some people would consider that a degree in 'LIFE' means more than a piece of paper....WHY?? People who are and have been a victim/survivor of domestic violence knows first hand how destructive abuse can be...it's these people who are, inevitably frontline workers. I know first hand what frontline workers are dealing with and it's not a pretty sight and it's not for every person. I personally believe it is a specialised area that needs specialsed workers who can walk that fine line between whanau, police, welfare (CYPS), victim, perpetrator. As I stated before this issue will not be solved overnight and having employable people who are empathetic, dedicated and willing to make sacrifices and are prepared to go the extra distance are the ones who will make the difference. Statistics don't mean shit because they don't tell the 'real' story it only states 'A' number not the 'total' number

1/08/2012 5:32:14 a.m.

alison wrote:

Moera, there is an unprecedented amount of unemployment. I am sure if the govt threw money at employing key workers in these areas like Iron Side has pointed out there would be a massive shift in our statistics. Paying someone to write a paper and doing anything about it are 2 different things and Im not holding my breath waiting.

27/07/2012 10:27:39 a.m.

Moera wrote:

It's so easy for us to SAY do this and do that...it's for our kids safety etc etc etc. But putting into action the words spoken takes alot of time, effort, dedication and loss of sleep for those who are actually trying to make a difference (frontline workers). I'm well aware that NZ leads the world in child abuse, I'm also well aware that this is a reality that needs to be addressed immediately...BUT...govt can throw as much money at the situation as they like but there is a lack of educated manpower to help and give aid to caregivers and families at risk. CYPS can only do what they can and they walk a fine line with at risk families. If there was a combined effort from govt, family members, public, welfare and everything within that circle pertaining to stamping out child abuse, there's could be a possibility things could get better.

25/07/2012 5:20:12 p.m.

S wrote:

If a child is in Cyfs care that child/ren needs to be monitored on a regular basis not once every so many months which one Nana who wasn't coping told me. If there is a complaint to cyfs re child abuse they need to take it serious and speak to the child without the parents present in a non threatening environment, and take little ones including babies and put into safe care.

25/07/2012 1:07:31 p.m.

iron side wrote:

Yes why stand and watch while a situation disintegrates and spirals out of control? Why add petrol to the fire? Why not step in with assistance or deliver requested support in a timely fashion? If mandatory antenatal classes for all parents means instilling better bonding and confidence, a few extra friendly Plunket visits, learning supports for primary school kids, save pain and hardship down the track why not do it? Parental self worth is priceless and reflects itself on the children.