Mandatory reporting of child abuse to be considered

The deaths of the Kahui twins drove the law changes. Photo / Supplied

Mandatory reporting on child abuse and tracking of at-risk children are among ideas to be considered in a Government paper on New Zealand children.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said she hoped the Green Paper would kick off a national discussion about how children are nurtured and protected.

The paper would look at the needs of those aged up to 18 years old, but would have a special focus on children under five.

"We can do better by our children in taking a planned, long-term approach to tackling a wide range of issues that affect children," said Ms Bennett.

Other ideas for consideration include information sharing to protect children, greater use of schools after hours and whanau-first placements for children in state care

"If we are to do more of what works, we simply have to do less of what doesn't. It's time we asked ourselves when government should get involved in family's lives and when it should get out of the way."

Cabinet is tomorrow expected to sign off on the proposed green paper.

The paper would be written by an independent group with scientific and academic advisers.

- NZPA