Child and family policy

Contents | Introduction | Why have a child and family policy? | Children and families in Auckland city | Getting your views | Guiding documents | Auckland City's role | Making things happen | Work progressed during 2005/06 | Child and family action plan 2006/07 | Appendix: Other relevant Auckland City policies

Introduction

Children are important and valuable members of our community, as well as the future of our city. They need an environment where they can learn and develop the skills to become great citizens. Auckland City has listened to what the community has said about the needs of children and their families and is proud to be taking a leadership role in the Auckland region by developing a child and family policy.

Children

This policy defines children as aged from birth to 12 years and focuses on children in the context of the family environment.

Many things shape children, including their cultural background, the economic status of their family and their health. This policy takes a whole-child approach, which includes the idea that it takes a whole village to raise a child. This village may be a child's immediate or extended family, their school, church and sports club, their local community or the city as a whole. The village provides children with the support and experiences they need to be all that they want to be now and in the future.

Family

This policy recognises that families are constantly evolving and changing. It takes a broad and inclusive view of family that encompasses a wide range of family living arrangements, including single household nuclear families, wider whanau groups, "blended" families created through second or subsequent unions, foster parents, and gay and lesbian couples.

What Auckland City values

Auckland City wants to ensure children:

• get the best start to life
• grow and develop to their best potential
• learn the skills needed for the future
• have the opportunity to enjoy childhood
• have interesting and exciting things to do in the city
• have their voices heard and listened to
• are nurtured and valued.

Auckland City also wants to ensure the city is a place where families can:

• rear their children
• provide mutual support and respect
• flourish
• make a positive contribution to the life of the city
• enjoy the city and feel safe
• access a range of services
• feel a sense of belonging and proudly call the city home.

Reviewed August 2006