Rise in child abuse and neglect cases

The number of children coming to the attention of Child Youth and Family (CYF) has increased by more than 50 per cent in the past three years.

Answers to parliamentary questions from Act MP Heather Roy show 16,173 children received attention from CYF in the year to June 30, up from 10,763 in 2003.

Mrs Roy said despite the Government pouring money into CYF, child abuse and neglect cases appeared to be rising. "It is more dangerous than ever to be a child in New Zealand," she said.

CYF officials have previously said the rises resulted partly from increased resources, allowing them to intervene in more cases where children were at risk.

CYF Minister Ruth Dyson said part of the rise in abuse and neglect notifications could be put down to early identification of problems by social workers.

Part could also be the result of less tolerance of abuse by the public after high-profile child murders.

- NZPA