Minister's foreword
The Statement of Intent 2013-2016 sets out the major priorities for the Ministry of Social Development over the next three years.
As Minister for Social Development I am driving three priority areas which will make a real difference to individuals, families and communities.
Reforming the welfare system, reforming the way we protect vulnerable children and reforming the way we contract and work with community organisations are interrelated work programmes that are progressing well.
This Government is taking action for New Zealanders by better supporting others, providing greater independence, protection for vulnerable children and working alongside communities better.
We’ve already made a difference through the welfare reforms implemented to date, with thousands moving off welfare and into work. The third and most significant phase of reforms comes into effect this year.
While the welfare reform programme itself is large and complex, the changes modernise and simplify the welfare system. Work expectations and social obligations are better balanced with incentives and support.
The new investment approach is a radical change for the welfare system and will target interventions and support to those most at risk of long-term welfare dependence. This active approach will see more people get the help they need to become independent.
By investing in people sooner, we will start to break that cycle of long-term welfare dependence.
The welfare reforms contain policies specifically related to children. Social obligations, protections for children built into the sanctions process and the focus on getting parents off welfare and into work fit with the Children’s Action Plan, by keeping the focus on vulnerable children.
The Children’s Action Plan will make a significant difference to children, helping identify those most at risk of abuse and neglect so we can act early.
By requiring government departments to take shared responsibility for children, a more co-ordinated approach will reduce the number of substantiated physical abuse cases and better protect children.
The Children’s Action Plan is already seeing community organisations and government departments work better together, with greater cohesion. This change in style fits with a reformed way of working with the social sector.
Community has a vital role to play in changing the way we view and treat children. The public awareness campaign and child protect phone line to be implemented through the Children’s Action Plan, will facilitate this.
This work will contribute to another Government priority – the reduction of youth offending. We know that children who are safe, well and loved are less likely to turn to a life of crime.
The welfare reforms and Children’s Action Plan work streams both require a significant reshaping of the way the Ministry works with other government agencies and with people and communities.
To lead the charge, the Government has tasked the Social Sector Chief Executives Forum with ensuring joined-up thinking and service delivery.
Investing in Services for Outcomes supports this goal, by better co-ordinating funding and contracting for services to leverage the best outcomes.
This simply means changing the way we relate, contract to and work alongside community organisations.
It is an internal and external approach to change, recognising we must change the way we work within the Ministry in order to improve services and support that non-government organisations provide communities.
The entire Ministry is involved in these fundamental changes to the way it works.
Delivering Better Public Services is one of the Government’s four priorities and within this work the Ministry of Social Development is responsible for reducing long-term welfare dependence and assaults on children. This fits into our established priority areas that fit together to form a comprehensive plan to support New Zealanders.
This Statement of Intent reflects the challenging pace the Government has set for the Ministry, which is now leading or co-ordinating fundamental change programmes on more fronts than at any previous time.
New Zealanders expect no less and the Ministry has kept its foot on the peddle.
It is critical we continue to do so over the next few years. This Government is committed to making a difference and we can achieve that by taking action.
Hon Paula Bennett
Minister for Social Development
