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Archived Press Releases 2009 14th May 2009

At last – A Families Commissioner who cares

(14th May 2009)

So - MP's are outraged at Christine Rankin's appointment as a Families Commissioner?

Christine Davey, Sensible Sentencing's Spokesperson on Drug Issues and Childrens' Welfare is delighted – as are, she's sure, many NZ parents and Grandparents currently struggling with the inequities of the current CYF system.

Ms Davey says “Someone described as 'divisive and controversial' is exactly who we need to stand up and address our concerns, which include:

• CYF not removing children from drug-using parents until they have been physically abused;
• CYF having a Policy of not heeding concerned grandparents;
• CYF promoting the Rights of neglectful biological parents over the Right of the child to live in a safe environment, and
• The Family Court system forcing good people into financial hardship whilst the other party can access legal aid in order to prolong these cases.

Who do we need, if not someone who is passionate about campaigning against child abuse?

Why is this trait not a pre-requisite for this job?

Previous Families Commissioners have not managed to stem the abhorrent tide of child abuse in New Zealand – let's give Ms Rankin a chance.

Regards,

Christine Davey
Sensible Sentencing Spokesperson on Drug Issues,
mobile 027 6376166
Christine Davey has first hand experience of P use in her family, and also supports many other NZ parents in her role as Administrator on the Fight Against P website www.fightagainstp.com

Through the Sensible Sentencing Trust Christine is campaigning for intervention in drug use at family request and removal of children from the care of known drug-users.