According to analysis of actual cases Oranga Tamariki reports:
Typically, there were multiple factors associated with a decision toseek interim custody of a newborn baby. The most common reasons were:
• Substance abuse, particularly synthetic cannabis, methamphetamine or alcohol addiction, often coupled with mental health issues associated with that addiction,including psychosis and suicidal behaviour.
• Partner substance abuse and family violence. This can entail unpredictable acts of violence associated with substance abuse and a history of previous protection orders against the partner. Babies are particularly at risk in this context as they are often close by when the partner becomes violent, have no independent means of escaping the violent situation, and are highly vulnerable to serious physical harm from any assault.
Other factors included:
• Medical neglect, including severe lack of preparation for, and engagement with, the newborn baby.
• Parental difficulties in being able to recognise and respond to the needs of a newborn, including signs of distress.
To prevaricate over whether interventions should or should not occur based on political considerations is an act of abuse in and of itself.
Now there is a clear push for two different systems. Lady Moxon, instrumental to the resignation of Grainne Moss, says:
"The end goal is that we have our own Mokopuna Authority - I'm talking about Māori for Māori by Māori - whereby we're looking after our own children, wherever they are."
All Maori children have mixed ethnicity. But before they are Maori/Pakeha/Pacific/Asian/other they are tiny human beings.
Tiny human beings whose best interest the grown-ups should be able to agree upon free from political agendas.
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