From the Ministry of Social Development and Employment, ChildForum has received the following important message for all ChildForum members.

Here is a way to show you care beyond your every day work -  by engaging in advocacy for young children through putting your thinking cap on now for what might be in a Children's  Action Plan and making a submission on the Green Paper.

 "The Minister for Social Development and Employment has announced the development of a Green Paper on Children.

"A link to the press release is at the bottom of this email for your information. The Green Paper on Children will stimulate a national conversation about how we value, nurture and protect children in New Zealand.

"The development of this key discussion document will be led by a public policy expert who will work with a multidisciplinary team. An independent scientific and academic reference group will provide advice and peer review. There will also be input and advice from a group of people with a front-line perspective. The Green Paper on Children is the first part of the process to develop a Children’s Action Plan and will be available in August. Following widespread consultation on the Green Paper, a White Paper that sets out the Children’s Action Plan will be developed.

"This Children’s Action Plan will include all children aged 0-18 years, with a special focus on children aged under five years.

"The Action Plan will provide a means of aligning work across government and non-government organisations, and is likely to have implications for policy, practice, service delivery and legislation. The Minister is inviting you, and everyone else who is interested in improving the wellbeing of New Zealand children, to be part of this visionary approach. We will contact you again when the Green Paper on Children is released and hope that you will make a submission on it.

Click here to link to a press release and further information