David Kenkel is a lecturer in Social Work and Community Development in the Department of Social Practice at Unitec Auckland. He has an extensive background in working with family violence and children and families involved with CYFS. He has been an advocate for children in national and regional roles with UNICEF and the New Zealand Office of the Children’s Commissioner.

An interesting article.

Many of the clients we see are vulnerable children, often with high and complex needs, who have experienced physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, moderate to severe neglect, and/or have witnessed violence in their homes. Most often these children’s parents have experienced similar childhoods and are struggling to provide good-enough parenting.

The Family Court should be highlighting the needs of the children equally with the needs of the parents.  Children should be represented by professionals with extensive experience working with children and where, if at all possible, there’s an ongoing relationship with that professional.