| Every Child Counts recognises the vital role families play in children�s lives. Families are the main source of support for children. Our willingness to support families so that they can provide the best they can for children is an expression of the health of our society. The diversity of families in which New Zealand�s children live includes whanau, aiga, nuclear families, extended families, solo-parent families, reconstituted families and out of family care. Children live with grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles. Adults within all kinds of permanent and temporary family structures nurture children. People from the different cultures living in New Zealand each have their own views on what �family� means. For example, for most Maori whanau, diversity and collective responsibility with the wider community is central to the concept of whanau and it is recognized that many adults contribute to loving and caring environments for children. Some children are hurt by their families and become separated from them. Some refugee children arrive in New Zealand unaccompanied by adults. These children and the people who care for them count too. Family function matters. Children need to be surrounded by adults who respect and care for them and each other. Family conflict, poverty and social isolation are better predictors of poor outcomes for children than family structure. Families need to be connected to their past and to their community. Adults need to support each other to nurture children. For example, when a child is born, proud parents will often seek and find support from other new parents. These informal support networks are just as important as family support. Every Child Counts supports the outcome sought by the Family Services National Advisory Council to the Ministry of Social Development (2004): �Families are strong and richly connected with their communities. They are able to support their members� wellbeing, identity, participation in society and interdependence.� Every Child Counts is seeking a vibrant society where every child can thrive; where families are connected to one another with reciprocal rights and responsibilities - where all kinds of families are supported so that they can provide the consistent love, care and nurturing that every child � and our society - needs.
Au Whanau Whanaunga Whanaungatanga Whaka whanaungatanga Check out our website for more information or contact us. | | | PHYSICAL ADDRESS | POSTAL ADDRESS | | | C/o Barnardos National Office
85-87 Ghuznee Street,
Wellington
| | Every Child Counts
PO Box 6434
Wellington | | EMAIL: | PHONE/FAX | | | [email protected] | | Phone: 04 385 7560
Fax: 04 382 6700 | | | 
