Health Committee releases report on improving child health outcomes

Parliament's Health Committee has reported on its inquiry into practical health and social interventions to promote children's wellbeing, prevent child abuse and break cycles of disadvantage.

The report Inquiry into improving child health outcomes and preventing child abuse, with a focus from preconception until three years of age recognises the fundamental importance of the first few years of life for a broad range of child health outcomes.

The report acknowledges the current government responses to addressing child abuse, but emphasises the need for a more "proactive preventive approach that includes all children with room for additional services where necessary".

The 130 recommendations include that the "Prime Minister accept the formal role of developing and implementing a whole-of-government, inter-agency action plan for improving outcomes for all children, including a specific early intervention action plan from preconception to three years of age".

The Government's response to the report is due in March 2014.

Media:

Revealed: Official plan to health-check mums, NZ Herald, 19.11.2013

Child abuse report urges sexual health services overhaul, Stuff, 19.11.2013

Calls for more sexual violence education, 3 News, 19.11.2013

Recommendations 'could signal gains for vulnerable children', Voxy, 19.11.2013

UNICEF NZ praises committee's child health report, 3 News, 19.11.2013

Alcohol Healthwatch welcomes child health report, Voxy, 19.11.2013

Nursing body says child health report gets it right, Voxy, 19.11.2013

Early intervention 'crucial' to improving child health, Stuff, 18.11.2013

Image: Happy child finds joy by Hillebrand Steve, US Fish and Wildlife Service. Licence: Public Domain