Elder Abuse and Neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. Elder Abuse Awareness week begins on 15th June with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Most elder abuse tends to be…
The Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health are jointly reviewing the way in which children with severe disabilities are placed in voluntary out-of home care under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989 (Section 141 or 142). These agencies have produced a clearly written consultation document that is accompanied by a range of…
In the lead up to the 2015 Budget, organisations and networks working with children and their families are calling for real and effective action to reduce child poverty. UNICEF NZ Child Rights Advocacy Manager Deborah Morris Travers told TVNZ “We need to as a nation focus on the fact…
The Productivity Commission has published the draft report on social services and is looking for feedback on it by 24th June before it makes its final report. There are a large number of recommendations in the report about how government should go about “purchasing” the social services that are needed to achieve greater well being…
Homelessness is the sharp end of housing inequality in this country. Church social services are among those at the front line of emergency housing. The government is reviewing how it should approach emergency housing – give them your views (due by 1st May). They are seeking information from organisations providing emergency housing but also want…
Senior Citizens Minister Hon Maggie Barry released the 2014 update on the Positive Ageing Strategy at the Age Concern Conference in Wellington this week. The report looks at the 10 goals of the Strategy and asks the question – how are we doing? It is a little hard to tell when the 10 goals do…
Living wage employer La Boca Loca hosted the announcement of the 2015 revised living wage rate on 24th February. The Wellington living wage campaign supporters joined in the fun to celebrate the success of the movement in lifting wages for low income workers. We were also there to continue to our commitment to a fun-filled…
This annual celebration of neighbourliness is on again this weekend. This is a fund and simple way to get to know people in your community. Join in one of the public events being organised this Neighbours Day weekend, 28-29 March 2015 or simply take the opportunity to invite people to get together in your neighbour….