July 10, 2019
Becroft term as Children’s Commissioner extended
The Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft has had his appointment extended a further two years.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says Judge Becroft has been doing an exemplary job as an advocate for the wellbeing of children and young people since 2016.
She says the reappointment ensures consistent leadership during a period when independent oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system is being strengthened.
The Children’s Commissioner’s Office will continue to advocate for children and monitor Oranga Tamariki under the existing system while a new independent children’s monitor is established by the Ministry of Social Development.
Once the monitoring function is running well, the intention is for it to be transferred to the Office of the Children’s Commissioner.
Ms Sepuloni says the new oversight arrangements for Oranga Tamariki need to recognise and respond to the needs of Maori children and their whanau, as was set as a key priority within new legislation that came in force on 1 July.
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