4 Aug 2014

Report finds shortcomings in CYF handling of Family Group Conferences

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 4 August 2014

A highly critical briefing paper to Government ministers identifies significant shortcomings in the way Child Youth and Family runs Family Group Conferences. The paper has just been obtained by Nine to Noon - and says children, families, victims, and professionals were being inadequately prepared for conferences. Kathrine talks to South Auckland barrister Jeremy Sutton, who is a lawyer for child and youth advocate regularly attends Family Group Conferences in Care and Protection cases; Auckland family lawyer Helen Bowen, who is regularly involved in family group conferences in the youth justice field - and says they are still beset with problems - due mainly do under-resourcing; and Child Youth and Family Chief Social Worker, Paul Nixon.