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IntroductionEveryone wants their children to feel safe and cherished, to be healthy, happy and loved, to enjoy learning and to have lots of opportunities and stimulation to develop the incredible potential that each one of them has. The Children's Strategy is really about trying to help with that on a community level. It's about making sure children themselves are not just seen and heard, but that we ask their views and listen to them. We want to ensure that we actively consider the effect on children of each decision we make. Children are the most vulnerable group in any community and it's vital we actively consider the effects on children of our decisions. ResearchA major research project which asked children their views on all sorts of things has already happened. One of the things that it showed was how much we as adults have forgotten what it feels like to be a children - the things that felt good, the things that made us scared or sad. |
Lyn Campbell is now working at the Council as Children's Advocate. Her direct line is 371-1890. We are trying to make sure children's views are taken into account on everything from parks design and road works to entertainment.
This Children's Strategy is new and experimental. It won't be easy but we're sure it will be very helpful and we will also want to make it fun. The strategy will, however, only be effective if the whole community is involved. It needs to involve businesses, retailers, community groups, health providers, caregivers, families - all of us.
Already it's had quite a major impact at the Council. Councillors have adopted it enthusiastically and this year's budget reflects a much greater emphasis on children. We think it will be exciting and worthwhile, not just for children, but for the whole community.
Vicki Buck
Mayor