Michael Coren: Feminism revisited
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Mum, not dad, more likely to neglect kids
http://au.news. yahoo.com/ thewest/a/ -/newshome/ 6089613/mum- not-dad-more- likely-to- neglect-kids/
The West Australian
23 September 2009
Mum, not dad, more likely to neglect kids
By Jessica Strutt
Mothers are more likely than fathers to neglect and emotionally and
physically abuse their children, information obtained under freedom of
information laws reveals.
But figures from the WA Department for Child Protection show substantiated
cases of child sexual abuse against fathers still far outnumber those
against mothers.
The data shows that parents were the perpetrators in almost 39 per cent of
the 1505 substantiated cases of child abuse in 2007-08. Of the 582 cases of
abuse by parents, mothers were responsible for 73 per cent, while fathers
committed 27 per cent.
Mothers were more than 17 times more likely than fathers to neglect their
children, while fathers were responsible for 85 per cent of sex abuse cases
against children.
Mothers carried out almost 68 per cent of cases of emotional and
psychological abuse committed by parents, about 53 per cent of physical
abuse and more than 94 per cent of neglect cases.
Cases of substantiated abuse jumped from 960 in 2005-06 to 1505 in 2007-08.
In 2005-06, mothers committed 312 cases, while fathers were responsible for
165.
In 2005-06, mothers were responsible for 161 neglect, 72 emotional and
psychological, 76 physical and three sexual abuse cases against their
children. In the same financial year, fathers were responsible for 37
neglect, 41 emotional and psychological, 65 physical and 22 sexual abuse
cases against their children.
A DCP spokesman said figures between years were not comparable because
measuring methodologies may have changed.
Of the total substantiated cases of abuse in 2007-08, including by parents
and where the gender of the perpetrator was determined, 463 were carried
out by women and 353 by men.
University of Western Sydney academic Micheal Woods said yesterday that the
statistics debunked the myth that fathers posed the greatest risk to their
children.
Mr Woods, co-director of the university's Men's Health Information and
Resource Centre, said if similar data was available in other States it
would show similar trends.
Adults Surviving Child Abuse WA spokeswoman Michelle Stubbs said an initial
look at the data did not present a clear explanation and other factors had
to be considered.
She said it was important to keep in mind that mothers were often the
primary caregivers for children and also may be held more responsible by
the department in neglect cases.
The West Australian
23 September 2009
Mum, not dad, more likely to neglect kids
By Jessica Strutt
Mothers are more likely than fathers to neglect and emotionally and
physically abuse their children, information obtained under freedom of
information laws reveals.
But figures from the WA Department for Child Protection show substantiated
cases of child sexual abuse against fathers still far outnumber those
against mothers.
The data shows that parents were the perpetrators in almost 39 per cent of
the 1505 substantiated cases of child abuse in 2007-08. Of the 582 cases of
abuse by parents, mothers were responsible for 73 per cent, while fathers
committed 27 per cent.
Mothers were more than 17 times more likely than fathers to neglect their
children, while fathers were responsible for 85 per cent of sex abuse cases
against children.
Mothers carried out almost 68 per cent of cases of emotional and
psychological abuse committed by parents, about 53 per cent of physical
abuse and more than 94 per cent of neglect cases.
Cases of substantiated abuse jumped from 960 in 2005-06 to 1505 in 2007-08.
In 2005-06, mothers committed 312 cases, while fathers were responsible for
165.
In 2005-06, mothers were responsible for 161 neglect, 72 emotional and
psychological, 76 physical and three sexual abuse cases against their
children. In the same financial year, fathers were responsible for 37
neglect, 41 emotional and psychological, 65 physical and 22 sexual abuse
cases against their children.
A DCP spokesman said figures between years were not comparable because
measuring methodologies may have changed.
Of the total substantiated cases of abuse in 2007-08, including by parents
and where the gender of the perpetrator was determined, 463 were carried
out by women and 353 by men.
University of Western Sydney academic Micheal Woods said yesterday that the
statistics debunked the myth that fathers posed the greatest risk to their
children.
Mr Woods, co-director of the university's Men's Health Information and
Resource Centre, said if similar data was available in other States it
would show similar trends.
Adults Surviving Child Abuse WA spokeswoman Michelle Stubbs said an initial
look at the data did not present a clear explanation and other factors had
to be considered.
She said it was important to keep in mind that mothers were often the
primary caregivers for children and also may be held more responsible by
the department in neglect cases.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Family First - WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS.
FAMILY GROUPS RELEASE
MARRIAGE REPORT
Media Release 10 Sep 09
"21 Reasons WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS" - a trans-tasman effort to highlight the benefits of marriage has been released in New Zealand. The report was commissioned by Family First NZ and FamilyLife NZ in conjunction with a number of family organisations in Australia including the Australian Family Association, Family Voice Australia and Dads4Kids and is an update of the report originally released in the US in 2002.
Family First's Bob McCoskrie and Family Life's Andy Bray have contributed to the report and some of the photography includes a recently married Kiwi couple posing in front of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
"This edition has 146 researched footnotes including NZ-based research and presents strong evidence that marriage is more than a private emotional relationship. It is a social good and we should develop policies, laws, and family and community interventions to help strengthen marriages. The weakening of marriage is one of the most important social issues we are facing in NZ," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
Andy Bray (right), National Director of FamilyLife NZ says, "Despite the decline in the marriage rate, and an increase in couples choosing not to marry, statistics prove again and again that married life, while not perfect, still provides the very best environment for personal health and wealth, for raising secure responsible children, and for a more enjoyable sex life. That's why we invest our lives into equipping people with skills to enjoy married life. We also believe it helps build a stronger nation."
READ MORE
Call For National Debate On Promoting Marriage
Family First Media Release 10 Sep 09
Family First NZ is calling for a nationwide debate on promoting marriage as a result of their just-released report "21 Reasons Why Marriage Matters" which documents the psychological, social, economical and health benefits of marriage.
"It is time that government policies and rhetoric acknowledged that there is a difference in terms of outcomes between marriage and other forms of relationship," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
"Family breakdown and decreasing marriage rates are seldom considered in debate on social policy issues, such as poverty among families with children. A recent 70-page report issued by the Children's Commissioner and Barnardos contained no reference to marriage or divorce, despite the rate of poverty being five times higher for sole parent families."
"Whenever marriage is promoted, it has often been labeled as an attack on solo or divorced parents, and that has kept us from recognizing the qualitative benefits of marriage which have been discovered from decades of research."
"Marriage has changed a great deal, with the marriage rate at approximately 14 marriages per 1,000 married adults, less than a third of the peak level of 45.5 per 1000 recorded in 1971. It has been impacted over the past decades by an increased level and acceptance of divorce, cohabiting, and unwed childbearing. NZ has a high teenage birth rate and sole parents with dependent children made up 30 percent of families with children."
"Yet in virtually every category that social science has measured, children and adults do better when parents get married and stay married - provided there is no presence of high conflict or violence."
"The Statement of Intent just published by the Families Commission fails to mention marriage even once. Yet domestic violence and child abuse - two pet topics of the Commission - is far more prevalent in families where the biological parents are not both present and married."
Family First in conjunction with the NZIER has also highlighted the 'marriage tax' which penalises a married couple by up to $15,000 in their household income compared with a couple who separates or divorces.
"Marriage is like a 'life quality' insurance policy for children and parents and it's time we were honest enough to admit that,' says Mr McCoskrie.
CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE http://www.nzmarriage.org.nz/
DOWNLOAD Full Report DOWNLOAD Snapshot Summary
You can order copies of the report by emailed denise@familyfirst.org.nz. Copies cost $5 each
DOWNLOAD Family First's research from 2008
The Value of Family
(Fiscal Benefits of Marriage and Reducing Family Breakdown in New Zealand)
MARRIAGE REPORT
Media Release 10 Sep 09
"21 Reasons WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS" - a trans-tasman effort to highlight the benefits of marriage has been released in New Zealand. The report was commissioned by Family First NZ and FamilyLife NZ in conjunction with a number of family organisations in Australia including the Australian Family Association, Family Voice Australia and Dads4Kids and is an update of the report originally released in the US in 2002.
Family First's Bob McCoskrie and Family Life's Andy Bray have contributed to the report and some of the photography includes a recently married Kiwi couple posing in front of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
"This edition has 146 researched footnotes including NZ-based research and presents strong evidence that marriage is more than a private emotional relationship. It is a social good and we should develop policies, laws, and family and community interventions to help strengthen marriages. The weakening of marriage is one of the most important social issues we are facing in NZ," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
Andy Bray (right), National Director of FamilyLife NZ says, "Despite the decline in the marriage rate, and an increase in couples choosing not to marry, statistics prove again and again that married life, while not perfect, still provides the very best environment for personal health and wealth, for raising secure responsible children, and for a more enjoyable sex life. That's why we invest our lives into equipping people with skills to enjoy married life. We also believe it helps build a stronger nation."
READ MORE
Call For National Debate On Promoting Marriage
Family First Media Release 10 Sep 09
Family First NZ is calling for a nationwide debate on promoting marriage as a result of their just-released report "21 Reasons Why Marriage Matters" which documents the psychological, social, economical and health benefits of marriage.
"It is time that government policies and rhetoric acknowledged that there is a difference in terms of outcomes between marriage and other forms of relationship," says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
"Family breakdown and decreasing marriage rates are seldom considered in debate on social policy issues, such as poverty among families with children. A recent 70-page report issued by the Children's Commissioner and Barnardos contained no reference to marriage or divorce, despite the rate of poverty being five times higher for sole parent families."
"Whenever marriage is promoted, it has often been labeled as an attack on solo or divorced parents, and that has kept us from recognizing the qualitative benefits of marriage which have been discovered from decades of research."
"Marriage has changed a great deal, with the marriage rate at approximately 14 marriages per 1,000 married adults, less than a third of the peak level of 45.5 per 1000 recorded in 1971. It has been impacted over the past decades by an increased level and acceptance of divorce, cohabiting, and unwed childbearing. NZ has a high teenage birth rate and sole parents with dependent children made up 30 percent of families with children."
"Yet in virtually every category that social science has measured, children and adults do better when parents get married and stay married - provided there is no presence of high conflict or violence."
"The Statement of Intent just published by the Families Commission fails to mention marriage even once. Yet domestic violence and child abuse - two pet topics of the Commission - is far more prevalent in families where the biological parents are not both present and married."
Family First in conjunction with the NZIER has also highlighted the 'marriage tax' which penalises a married couple by up to $15,000 in their household income compared with a couple who separates or divorces.
"Marriage is like a 'life quality' insurance policy for children and parents and it's time we were honest enough to admit that,' says Mr McCoskrie.
CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE http://www.nzmarriage.org.nz/
DOWNLOAD Full Report DOWNLOAD Snapshot Summary
You can order copies of the report by emailed denise@familyfirst.org.nz. Copies cost $5 each
DOWNLOAD Family First's research from 2008
The Value of Family
(Fiscal Benefits of Marriage and Reducing Family Breakdown in New Zealand)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Healing Power of Grandparents
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0909/S00097.htm
The Healing Power of Grandparents
Press Release: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
9 September 2009
Media Release
The Healing Power of Grandparents
A 2009 study of Grandparents raising Grandchildren in New Zealand has shown a high level of long-term commitment to the children in spite of huge difficulties and little if any support.
Following a ground-breaking study of grandparent and other kin carers published in 2005, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust commissioned a further study of long-term carers to examine how well the carers and grandchildren had fared over time. Thirty-three percent of the children had been with the grandparents for ten years or longer, 49% from 6 to 9 years and 18% between 4 and 5 years.
More than half the children were reported as having serious physical and psychological problems as a result of the abuse and neglect they had before coming into their grandparents care. However, eighty-six percent reported significant improvements over time. “The research shows this is directly attributed to the stability of care and the resilience and commitment of the grandparents,” reports Jill Worrall, social work consultant and author of the report which will also be presented at the inaugural Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust’s National Conference; ‘A Grandparent’s love, for our children, for our future’ at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on 28 and 29 October 2009 during Grandparents Week 2009.
“While the grandparents described the joy of seeing the children recover and thrive, they also described the struggles they experience. Deterioration in their own health as they advance in years, expensive legal wrangles to maintain custody and a need for family were expressed along with a need for better and affordable housing, assistance with education costs and clothing in many cases,” says Worrall.
The 2005 study revealed the precarious financial status of many of the grandparents. “Once again alarming statistics have emerged in this report; with total family income being less than $20,000 p.a. for 22% of respondents and less than $30,000 for 25% of respondents. Solo carers, who represented 38.6% of participants, were particularly financially compromised. Several described a struggle to feed themselves and their children adequately. One carer stated a wish “not to go to bed hungry,[for] clothes that fit, money to survive and not to have to worry about work and income and the situation of my daughter”, says Worrall.
In April this year the Unsupported Child Benefit was raised to the same base weekly payment afforded to unrelated foster carers. “This will assist, but grandparents raising grandchildren are not currently eligible for the ancillary payments for clothing, health/medical and education costs that are available to foster carers,” says Diane Vivian; the Trust’s founder and National Convenor. “Consequently many grandparents still face extreme hardship meeting the costs associated with caring for children who need ongoing specialist medical, therapeutic or educational help as a result of the abuse and trauma they suffered before their grandparents stepped in to care for them.”
Compared to recent data released by Child Youth and family in regard to numbers of placements experienced by children in State Care, the children in the study sample have been afforded a high level of stability and rehabilitation. Recent Child Youth and Family figures also show that the incidence of kinship care varies across cultures with 53% of Maori children in need of care placed with whanau, 59% of Pacific Island children placed with fono compared to only 31% of Pakeha children placed with their extended families. The study evidenced that the children in whanau/family care do well, but their carers need on-going support to do this.
The Healing Power of Grandparents
Press Release: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
9 September 2009
Media Release
The Healing Power of Grandparents
A 2009 study of Grandparents raising Grandchildren in New Zealand has shown a high level of long-term commitment to the children in spite of huge difficulties and little if any support.
Following a ground-breaking study of grandparent and other kin carers published in 2005, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust commissioned a further study of long-term carers to examine how well the carers and grandchildren had fared over time. Thirty-three percent of the children had been with the grandparents for ten years or longer, 49% from 6 to 9 years and 18% between 4 and 5 years.
More than half the children were reported as having serious physical and psychological problems as a result of the abuse and neglect they had before coming into their grandparents care. However, eighty-six percent reported significant improvements over time. “The research shows this is directly attributed to the stability of care and the resilience and commitment of the grandparents,” reports Jill Worrall, social work consultant and author of the report which will also be presented at the inaugural Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust’s National Conference; ‘A Grandparent’s love, for our children, for our future’ at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on 28 and 29 October 2009 during Grandparents Week 2009.
“While the grandparents described the joy of seeing the children recover and thrive, they also described the struggles they experience. Deterioration in their own health as they advance in years, expensive legal wrangles to maintain custody and a need for family were expressed along with a need for better and affordable housing, assistance with education costs and clothing in many cases,” says Worrall.
The 2005 study revealed the precarious financial status of many of the grandparents. “Once again alarming statistics have emerged in this report; with total family income being less than $20,000 p.a. for 22% of respondents and less than $30,000 for 25% of respondents. Solo carers, who represented 38.6% of participants, were particularly financially compromised. Several described a struggle to feed themselves and their children adequately. One carer stated a wish “not to go to bed hungry,[for] clothes that fit, money to survive and not to have to worry about work and income and the situation of my daughter”, says Worrall.
In April this year the Unsupported Child Benefit was raised to the same base weekly payment afforded to unrelated foster carers. “This will assist, but grandparents raising grandchildren are not currently eligible for the ancillary payments for clothing, health/medical and education costs that are available to foster carers,” says Diane Vivian; the Trust’s founder and National Convenor. “Consequently many grandparents still face extreme hardship meeting the costs associated with caring for children who need ongoing specialist medical, therapeutic or educational help as a result of the abuse and trauma they suffered before their grandparents stepped in to care for them.”
Compared to recent data released by Child Youth and family in regard to numbers of placements experienced by children in State Care, the children in the study sample have been afforded a high level of stability and rehabilitation. Recent Child Youth and Family figures also show that the incidence of kinship care varies across cultures with 53% of Maori children in need of care placed with whanau, 59% of Pacific Island children placed with fono compared to only 31% of Pakeha children placed with their extended families. The study evidenced that the children in whanau/family care do well, but their carers need on-going support to do this.
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