escalating violence in our community Become a member of the Sensible Sentencing Trust

Mouseover links for full page descriptions

Archived Press Releases 2009 3rd September 2009

More lip service from the Children's Commissioner

(3rd September 2009)

Children's Commissioner John Angus will have grandparents all over NZ shaking their heads in disbelief.

Christine Davey, Sensible Sentencing's Spokesperson on Drug Issues represents many of these people, including herself.

With respect to Child Carers who have drug and alcohol abuse issues, his statements that "Families must pay attention to child safety", "there are things we can do as families and neighbours" and "it is also up to extended families and neighbours to pay more attention" are a direct slap in the face for those of us who have been desperately trying to do just that – and we are ignored !!!!!

Because CYF Policy is to NOT ACT on the concerns of Grandparents or anyone else beyond going to the Mother, and if she says everything is fine, CYF walk away !!!

Of course the Mother will say everything is fine – she has a vested interest in being seen to be a good Mother!!!

Peter Hughes, CEO of CYF, tells us that "parents have the right to raise their children in any manner of their choosing, unless they cross a line of unacceptability."

And that line appears to be the death or serious injury to the child, because CYF work Reactively instead of Proactively !!!

So John Angus – are you prepared to thump a few tables in order to make people heed your message, or is this it?

A pronouncement to justify your position, that ticks all the boxes, and is then confined to the scrap heap of other pronouncements because CYF says they are not directed by the OCC.

I, and many others, will await further developments with eager anticipation.

Regards,

Christine Davey
Sensible Sentencing Spokesperson on Drug Issues,
mobile 027 6376166
Christine Davey has first hand experience of P use in her family, and also supports many other NZ parents in her role as Administrator on the Fight Against P website www.fightagainstp.com

Through the Sensible Sentencing Trust Christine is campaigning for intervention in drug use at family request and removal of children from the care of known drug-users.