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United Future New Zealand's Caring for Kids policy focuses on the important first ten years of a child's life. The first ten years, more than any others, determine the opportunities for the child as he or she moves into adulthood. Success in these early years generally means success in later years. Failure in these years may lead to failure in later years, which not only the child, but all of society suffers.
Most children in New Zealand are brought up in supportive homes, but too many children:
- lack the support needed for emotional development
- lack adequate nutrition for physical growth
- miss out on the stimulating environment needed for intellectual development.
We know that by not investing our children today we will place much greater costs on society tomorrow. United wants action. The benefits of investment in the early years of a child's life are well documented in local and international research. We will promote a determined, coordinated and comprehensive programme which ensures that all children receive the care which they deserve and the start in life which they are owed.
Caring for Kids begins with Good Parenting
Many programmes aim at helping parents. Most provide an excellent service, however, they are fragmented and must be organised better.
UNITED FUTURE WILL
- Encourage all new mothers to enrol in a home visiting programme, from the birth of the child.
- Promote parenting programmes with a strong emphasis on child education, health and parent responsibility.
- Support child health clinics and provide comprehensive health screening programmes.
- Establish family service centres in communities where parenting and family support needs are greatest.
These programmes will be co-ordinated by the Health Funding Authority in a way which is sensitive to the needs of the different communities.
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