Media release from the Family Law Section

25 September 2003

New Zealand's child care record
The Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society has expressed serious concern at the UNICEF figures on New Zealand’s child care record released last week.

For some time New Zealand has recorded a higher number of child abuse deaths than most OECD countries - yet little change has been effected. While amendments to the legislation sanctioning corporal punishment of children may send an important message to some, this is unlikely to happen or have a significant impact on the problem.

Initiatives to address the substandard treatment of children in several areas, including health, education and physical welfare, have centred on issues of poverty and lack of education. While these factors form part of a matrix of issues to be considered, they do not provide the whole answer. If they did, one would have to ask why so many countries less economically and socially stable have significantly better records of child nurturing.

In the search for answers, evidence frequently shows a lack of personal responsibility by parents. In many cases there is no proper consideration as to the realities of providing for a child. Until these attitudes change, it is unlikely that any significant improvement will occur.

A further disturbing trend in this country is the clear link to substance and alcohol abuse in so many cases of child abuse. Again, one can too readily allege as the reason for such abuse, issues of poverty and lack of education. These are, however, more properly regarded as the habits of those seeking self-gratification at the expense of others.

It is food for thought that this country is now spending money assisting an organisation to educate children about how to deal with violence in their homes. Some may applaud such a step. Family lawyers regard the apparent need for this as a bleak comment on the level to which New Zealand society has now sunk. It is hoped that carefully considered and coordinated steps will be taken to put an end to the cause of this crisis rather than to focus upon the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.