“… The children most likely to die from neglect and abuse are falling under the radar of the government agencies that should be protecting them, research shows.
A study of Masterton families that rely on social services found support was failing to reach those most at risk.
The research, commissioned by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, showed most families were resilient and used social services to make themselves stronger.
The Families Commission study focused on Masterton and looked at 400 families and 33 social service agencies.
High-risk, dysfunctional families were among those interviewed.
But the most severe cases – families in which children had died – avoided contact with social services and fell under the radar, the report said.
Figures from key agencies show that, on average, 60 babies a year throughout the country are being admitted to hospital because of abuse.
Abuse reported to Child, Youth and Family last year increased 119 per cent in the past five years.
Last year, 110,000 cases were reported to CYF and, by the end of this year, the figure is expected to be about 125,000…”
go to source/story>>>Children most at risk of harm ‘fall under radar’ | Stuff.co.nz
