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A huge reduction in the number of unallocated cases handled by Child, Youth and Family in Masterton/Wellington area has been welcomed by Labour MP Georgina Beyer. Unallocated cases are notifications of potential care and protection concerns that have not yet been assigned to an individual social worker, but are regularly monitored to ensure child safety.
As at 1 July 2005, there were 29 unallocated cases down from 167 at the end of May 2004, a drop of 83 percent.
"This impressive drop improves the safety of the children in our community, and enables families and carers to be better supported. It is an achievement that should be celebrated by everyone," Ms Beyer said.
"The drop in unallocated cases has been made possible by the huge increase in resources and front-line social workers that the Labour-led government has poured into Child, Youth and Family in recent years. It is precisely the kind of achievement that would be put at risk by National's obsession with tax cuts."
Ms Beyer said that the Government was committed to working with local communities to keep children safe and support families.
"Child abuse is not acceptable, and we all have a part to play in caring for our children. Working together is the key to our success."
As at 1 July 2005, there were 993 unallocated cases nationwide, down from 4592 in May 2004 - a reduction of 78 percent.
Child, Youth and Family Minister Ruth Dyson said the reduction in unallocated cases had come about in spite of unprecedented demand for Child. Youth and Family Services, including an 80 percent rise in notifications of potential child abuse and neglect since 2002.
"The drop in unallocated cases and rise in Child, Youth and Family's efficiency is the result of increased government funding and a focused campaign within the department, including a new risk assessment tool that helps social workers to prioritise cases more effectively. I congratulate the department and look forward to seeing the number of unallocated cases continue to fall."
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