The purpose of this review is to support all New Zealanders to make a difference in the lives of our vulnerable children. This report sets out recommendations for a future operating model for Child, Youth and Family (CYF), including the systems, structures and future investments needed to provide better lives for our children and young people. New Zealand’s vulnerable children are living in environments with high levels of need and deprivation, often experiencing the combined impacts of long-term unemployment, low income, unaddressed physical and mental health needs, parental alcohol and drug addiction, and family violence. Many also have their own complex needs including physical, learning, intellectual, and mental health disabilities. Each year about 60,000 children are notified to CYF, and at any point in time about 4,900 New Zealand children are in statutory care.

In July 2015, the Expert Advisory Panel delivered an Interim Report, establishing a foundation review of the current operating model, engaging with children, young people and front-line staff, and developing the principles, purpose and objectives of the future system for vulnerable children. The Interim Report found that the current system is failing to provide the safe, stable and loving care that children need, and is not supporting them to fulfil their potential as adults.

The Panel has now completed the design of a new operating model, which has been informed by a collaborative process with children, young people, families, caregivers, victims, experts from across the system, and an extensive review of local and international research. What follows reflects a thorough re-think, informed by a broad range of stakeholders, to ensure a fit-for-purpose response to child vulnerability in New Zealand. It is informed by three core tenets: the service response should be guided to investing in prevention with a view to changing long term outcomes; the indicators of success will be improved life outcomes, and manifest as meaningful differences in children’s lives; and that the service learns from the voices of the children who have experienced it. This will ensure that children’s welfare remain paramount at all times. Put simply, the future service must be responsive to the child’s needs and aspirations. This report details how we can improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people, the building blocks and component parts of the future operating model needed to deliver this experience, and the recommended plan for implementation