25 August 2011

“It's simply wrong for people to use 'privacy' as an excuse for failing to report abuse of children. The Privacy Act allows reporting of abuse or suspected abuse. So does the Children, Young Persons, and their Families Act. Anyone who believes that any child or young person has been or is likely to be harmed can report the matter to a social worker or to the Police. It's vital that people should share information about children at risk with the appropriate authorities, and that the authorities share that information amongst themselves. There is little that is more serious and imminent than the need to protect a child.

'It's clear though that some people and agencies still take too restrictive a view of what is 'serious and imminent'. To remove any remaining doubts about this, the Information Sharing Bill currently before Parliament will take out the requirement for 'imminence'. We support this amendment.

'We also understand that the government is actively considering whether to pass a new law saying that reporting of child abuse should be mandatory. The Coroner's comments will be helpful as part of that process.”

ENDS

For more information contact Cathy Henry 021 509 735