Effective Policy to Protect Children

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Summary

I have a picture in my mind of two of my grandchildren: Daisy and Molly. My relationship with Daisy and Molly means I love them and want for them safety, security, a life of meaning and purpose, with the opportunity of being fully-functioning individuals and citizens whose lives are nourished physically, mentally and spiritually. I am sure there are similar aspirations for most grandparents.

However, we can’t stop at our own children and grandchildren. Part of the reality and privilege of being adult New Zealanders is that what we want for our children and grandchildren are also the things we need to achieve for every child in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Being an adult New Zealander carries with it the responsibility to create a context in this country that provides safety, security, nourishment and meaning for every child.

So what we are talking about when we talk about effective policy to protect children is not some esoteric set of policy formations and settings; it is ensuring the future happiness and direction of children we individually have responsibility for.