Rich Katherine: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Rich Katherine: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:613;Page:10058] 
5.  
KATHERINE RICH (National) 
 to the  
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (CYF) 
: What specific concerns did the supervisor of the social worker involved with Saliel Aplin and Olympia Jetson raise with the Chief Executive of Child Youth and Family Services and how were those concerns addressed? 
Hon RUTH DYSON (Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment (CYF)) 
: 
 I understand that the supervisor raised concerns about the Masterton site manager’s position being disestablished. The department’s response was that the change to split the business and practice management functions into two positions with the business manager being based in Wellington and the practice manager being based in Masterton would strengthen on-site management of social work practice. 
Katherine Rich 
: In light of the Commissioner for Children’s finding that there was a “failure of the decision makers in Wellington to respond adequately and promptly to the unique situation developing in Masterton” how does that finding illustrate that the national office was adequately supporting the Masterton office? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I would also like the member to reflect on the response from the chief social worker given in her report which questioned the degree of effect that changes to management lines and accountabilities have on professional practice. She also noted that social work standards should be maintained regardless of reporting lines. 
Georgina Beyer 
: What initiatives has the department implemented to better support supervisors and social workers including front-line staff in the Masterton office? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: The department has initiated a number of new programmes including the establishment of 38 new practice manager positions across the country to oversee practice quality and to assist in resolving difficulties or uncertainties within casework. Two of these new positions are in the Wellington region with one specifically in Masterton. 
Barbara Stewart 
: In taking note of the Minister’s previous answers and given the number of currently unallocated cases—including those that have been notified to the Department of Child Youth and Family Services more than once—is she confident that the systems within the department are adequate to ensure the safety of at-risk children; if not what specific changes are planned to improve these systems? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: I am confident that with the new initiatives and additional support that the department has been given over the last 4 years and with the implementation of the recommendations of the baseline review team we can have that confidence. 
Dr Muriel Newman 
: What specifically did the Minister mean in her statement last week when asked whether she accepted responsibility for the failure of the Labour Government’s Department of Child Youth and Family Services that: “That is an agreement I signed with the chief executive. It is her responsibility to deliver on that agreement.”; and can she clarify for the House whether she as Minister will accept responsibility for any child who is harmed under the care of the department? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: The statement meant exactly what it said. I am happy to be accountable for the responsibilities that the privilege of my ministerial portfolios accord. 
Judy Turner 
: In light of the fact that the social work supervisor’s concerns were not perceived to be addressed in this case is the Minister concerned by Charlene Aplin’s intention to proceed with legal action against the department; does she intend to fight that action vigorously; if not why not? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: Any individual including Charlene Aplin is entitled to take legal action if he or she considers it appropriate. 
Katherine Rich 
: If the Minister is trying to convince the House that major positive changes have occurred at the Masterton office of Child Youth and Family Services after the girls were murdered why in an answer to a parliamentary question about the changes that had been made 1 year after their deaths did then Minister Steve Maharey say: “There were no specific practices put in place regarding the social workers involved with Olympia Jetson and Saliel Aplin.”; that “the department is satisfied with its social work policies”; and that “there have been no changes in procedure following the deaths of the two girls.”? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: As that member well knows the policies and procedures were confirmed by the Commissioner for Children as being entirely appropriate. They were not followed. 
Georgina Beyer 
: What support has the department given to the Masterton office since 2001? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: A new manager appointed in mid-2001 increased resources to the office by employing a new team of social workers. The department has also strengthened on-site management during 2003 provided additional support and practice advice provided additional social work resources from the Wellington office strengthened collaboration with other key agencies worked closely with community partners on initiatives to address family violence and contracted an additional “social workers in school” position in Masterton. 
Katherine Rich 
: If the Minister is convinced that she has given due attention to factors raised by the Commissioner for Children why did Trish Grant of the Office of the Commissioner for Children say that such factors “haven’t been given the attention they should have by the department or in fact the Minister”? 
Hon RUTH DYSON 
: Clearly because that was her view.