New directions for Child, Youth and Family 5/6

Steve Maharey Social Services and Employment

Role and membership of the External Reference Group

An External Reference Group is to be appointed to provide Child, Youth and Family with a sounding board as it implements the New Directions programme and to provide greater public accountability that it is taking the steps needed to turn the corner.

The External Reference Group has been established to:

  1. Provide professional advice to the Capability Development Manager, Craig Smith, and the Department on the New Directions programme as a whole and on significant individual projects.
  2. Support and advocate for the programme both within and outside the Department.
  3. Independently monitor the implementation of the New Directions programme. Formal terms of reference will be signed off by the External Reference Group at their first meeting.

Reference Group Membership

The following organisations have been invited to provide a representative to join the External Reference Group:

  • Family Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society
  • Office of Commissioner for Children
  • Public Service Association
  • Child Policy Reference Group (an advisory group to the Ministry of Social Policy)
  • Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
  • Te Komiti Arai Taki Manaaki (Maori Advisory Group to Child, Youth and
    Family)
  • Pacific Peoples Reference Group
  • Te Kaiahwina Ahumahi (the industry training organisation for social
    services)
  • New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services

The External Reference Group is to hold its first meeting on 27 June 2001.