Children's Commissioner calls for urgency in closing the gaps in child protection system

Children's Commissioner Jane Searle welcomes the recommendations of the report released today by Justice Simon Moore into the disappearance of the Phillips children.

“The findings support what we have known for some time - that we need better coordination and information sharing between government agencies so they can work more effectively together to protect and support children,” she says.

“The circumstances surrounding this case have generated significant public interest over many years. The focus now needs to turn to strengthening the system and protecting the privacy of those involved.

“The recommendations from Justice Moore are an opportunity to implement change and close the gaps in the current system so that children and young people are safer. That will require prioritising the recommendations and implementing them with urgency.

“We know that coordinated multi-agency approaches will address some of the concerns raised in this report and build a stronger system for children. We need to ensure children grow up as part of their communities, with access to the education and health services, protections and supports they need to be safe and well.

“Our focus now should be on ensuring the lessons identified in this report lead to lasting improvements that strengthen protections for children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Any lessons we take from this report should ultimately help ensure that all children are protected, supported, and have their rights upheld, whatever their circumstances.”

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