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SSPA NewsletterFor the latest newsletter and access to our newsletter archive ... >read more Call for Conference Papers: SSPA Conference 2012Theme: Improving outcomes for Children and Whanau Management and Practice post the Green Paper If you would like to present on practice, management or innovation issues which impact on outcomes for Children and Whanau in the context of the Green Paper and related policy changes please fill in the call for papers form and email to John Dickson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 30 May 2012. The Conference will have 3 streams: Practice; Management and Innovation. For more info download our flyer.
SSPA Submission on preventing child abuse and improving children’s health outcomesMay 2012 Download Submission
Working for Maori Youth: Insights from 30 Years of Whakairo and Ta MokoSpeaker: Mark Kopua Mark Kopua is Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngati Ira and Ngati Porou (tribal groups) from the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. He is a tohunga (expert) ta moko artist and has been tattooing for around 16 years. Prior to doing ta moko, he did Maori whakairo (carving) for about 35 years. Some highlights of his carving career were working on Marae projects such as Ako Pai (Wellington), Kapiti, Ruataupare (Tuparoa), and Te Herenga Waka Marae (Wellington). Mark has been awarded the prestigious Toi Iho Maori mark of excellence in perpetuation, in recognition of his contribution to upholding the mana of traditional and contemporary Maori artforms. He is also involved with high-level Maori art organisations in New Zealand, such as Toi Maori, Te Papa, and Te Waka Toi Creative New Zealand. Venue: St John’s in the City, Wellington, 30 May, 5:30pm to 7:30 pm, Drinks and kai to follow Fees: Free to SSPA members, but numbers are limited so you will need to register. Gold coin for non-SSPA members. Registration: Please register with John Dickson, SSPA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 027 510-1517.
Employment Law and Performance Management Essentials for Social Services Managers and Board MembersSpeaker: Susan Hornsby-Geluk, Partner, ChenPalmer Susan’s expertise extends to all areas of employment law from managing personal grievances and restructuring to providing strategic advice on complex industrial issues. Her real strength is in her ability to develop innovative solutions to problems and provide advice in a practical and accessible manner. Susan is a highly regarded public speaker and has been asked to chair/speak at the Brightstar industrial relations conference for each of the past 10 years. She also enjoys smaller group presentations and is frequently called upon to provide interactive seminars to Executive teams, HR and line managers to up-skill them in Employment Law. Venues: Fees: Free to SSPA members, but numbers are limited so you will need to register. Gold coin for non-SSPA members. Registration: Please register with John Dickson, SSPA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 027 510-1517.
SSPA Submission on the Inquiry into the determinants of wellbeing for Maori childrenSSPA prepares its submission through a synthesis of member views, in house regulatory experience, research and contracted specialist advice. Member views were sought through a variety of means including surveys, an open invitation to members for comment on issues of interest, regular newsletters and regional meetings. Please note the views in this submission don’t represent the views off all SSPA members, but the initial conclusions reached by the Board. Please contact John Dickson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 027 5101517 to discuss.
SSPA Submission on the Green Paper for Vulnerable ChildrenSSPA prepares its submission through a synthesis of member views, in house regulatory experience, research and contracted specialist advice. Member views were sought through a variety of means including surveys, an open invitation to members for comment on issues of interest, regular newsletters and regional meetings. Also SSPA held a comprehensive seminar series on the Green Paper in the 4 main centres in February 2012 which was attended by over 500 members, current and former clients and the wider public. Please note the views in this submission don’t represent the views off all SSPA members, but the initial conclusions reached by the Board. Please contact John Dickson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 027 5101517 if you have any queries.
Privacy Act and Vulnerable ChildrenMembers interested in issues surrounding the Privacy Act and vulnerable children may be interested in Mai Chen’s (who spoke at the recent SSPA Seminar series on the Green Paper) recent radio interview on the subject: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2511342/law-with-mai-chen
Green Paper for Vulnerable Children Seminar SeriesThe following were presented at the SSPA seminar series on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin in February 2012. Addressing the funding barriers to providing effective services for vulnerable children. Does the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children Reflect Best Practice and Robust Research? The Privacy Act 1993 - Barrier or Opportunity to Minimise Harm to Vulnerable Children?
Green Paper Campervan spreads “say something” messageA national drive is on to ensure as many New Zealanders as possible have their say in the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children. The Social Development Minister, Paula Bennett, is touring New Zealand, with the first tranche of her tour taking her to Kaitaia, Whangarei, Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Henderson, Manukau, Hamilton and Mt Roskill, with details of meetings in the South Island to be released shortly. At the same time, a Green Paper campervan is driving from Kerikeri in the north to Invercargill in the south, making 32-stops over 13-days, talking to people in the street about the Green Paper and asking them to make submissions, there and then. Last July the Social Development Minister Paula Bennett released the Green Paper – a discussion document that calls for all New Zealanders to give their views on what changes might help this country's 160,000 vulnerable children. "We have never had a more important national debate, that's why we needed to take this issue literally to the people on the street," says the former All Black, Norm Hewitt. Norm is one of three Green Paper Champions who have been leading the discussion on how New Zealand tackles its child abuse record. Well over 1200 submissions have been received, but Norm says the more submissions that come in, the better, which is why the national tours are so important. "Both the Minister's tour and the campervan drive are excellent ways of getting the Green Paper directly to as many New Zealanders as possible. The Green Paper representatives travelling in the campervan say they've stopped hundreds of people on the streets of the towns they've visited, and given out hundreds of Green Paper submission forms and flyers. They say they have been very impressed by the willingness of people to be engaged about the Green Paper and child abuse. "We know many New Zealanders feel angry and sad when another child is hurt – or worse – by the people who are supposed to care for them. They might also feel powerless to do anything to help. This is something we can all do to help – we can say something on the Green Paper and help change the story for our children. "While submissions are accepted via email, Facebook, Twitter, our www.saysomething.org.nz website, or the old-fashioned way by post, making one in person at the campervan is another way you can say something. So keep an eye out for the Green Paper submission drive if it comes to your town – you can't miss the green campervan, flanked by large green flags," says Norm. "Many of us are more than happy to call talkback radio when we think we've got the answers, but if you make a submission on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, you can really help make a change because someone is definitely listening." Saying something on the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children is easy: Visit www.saysomething.org.nz and make a submission online. Email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Pick up a freepost submission flyer from WINZ offices. Mail: Green Paper for Vulnerable Children, PO Box 1556, Wellington 6140 Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpaperonchildren Twitter: www.twitter.com/greenpapernz Having already stopped in Kerikeri, Paihia, Whangarei, Waihi, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Hamilton, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Henderson, Manukau, North Shore, Glenn Innes, South Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Stratford, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Levin, Paraparaumu, Picton, Nelson and Blenheim the Green Paper campervan submission drive will be in: Friday 3 February Christchurch: Riccarton Mall, Riccarton – 0900 – 1100 Ashburton: The Chessboard on the corner of Burnett and East Sts – 1300 – 1400 Timaru: Stafford St, outside Farmers, 1530 – 1630 Saturday 4 February Dunedin: Dunedin Farmers Market at the Dunedin Railway Station – 0900 – 1200 Sunday 5 February Invercargill: Southland Farmers Market, Southland Boys High School – 0930 – 1130
Waikato / Hamilton public forum on the “Green Paper for Vulnerable Children”The SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust and Hamilton City Council have joined to sponsor a day long gathering open to the public to prepare submissions on the government’s Green Paper for Vulnerable Children and also to prepare an Action Plan for Hamilton / Waikato to improve the coordination and delivery of local services. Speakers to be confirmed. Date, Time & Venue: Friday 10 February 2012, SKYCITY Hamilton Functions Centre, Victoria Street HAMILTON 10.00am to 4pm Cost: Free of charge but for seating and catering purposes, please register. Morning and afternoon teas will be provided. A $5 lunch is available in the Vue Bar. Registration: Please register with Jan Mulhern at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Further information: Please contact Cathy Holland at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 0274 944468, www.parentline.org.nz. Convened by the DREAM TEAM partners - Parentline. K’aute Pasifika, Te Whakaruruhau, Hamilton Refuge Support Services & SHAMA
SSPA Seminar Series on the Green PaperSpeakers:Mai Chen, ChenPalmer, Privacy Act: Barrier or Opportunity to Minimise Harm to Vulnerable Children? Dr Tony Burton, Principal Advisor, Treasury, Addressing the funding barriers to providing effective services for vulnerable children. Dr Ben Mathews, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Does the protection of vulnerable children require a system of mandatory reporting of abuse/neglect? Dr Nicola Atwool, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Sociology, Gender and Social Work, University of Otago, Does the Green Paper for Vulnerable Children reflect best practice and robust research? Dates, Times and Venues:Auckland 1 February, Waipuna Lodge, Derrick Cole Theatre, Mt Wellington, 10.30am to 4pm Wellington 2 February, St Johns in the City, at the corner of Willis and Dixon St, 10.30am to 4pm Christchurch, 8 February, St Albans Baptist Church, 64 McFaddens Rd, St Albans, 10.30 am to 4pm Dunedin, 9 February, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, 10.30am to 4pm Fees:Free to SSPA members, but numbers are limited so you will need to register. $20 for non-SSPA members to assist with catering costs. Registration:Please register with Marama Jackson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Further information:Please contact John Dickson, SSPA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 027 510-1517.
Green Paper on Vulnerable ChildrenThe Government has launched a discussion paper to give people and communities a say on how New Zealand can better protect abused, neglected and disadvantaged children. The Green Paper aims to open up discussions about these issues and many more. This is your opportunity to have your say on the Green paper on Vulnerable Children and make a difference in the lives of children at risk. We have attached both background material and a comprehensive survey. We ask that you devote some of your valuable time to review the background material and then fill in our survey.
No Blind Eye - The Crimes Amendment Act (No 3)The Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) 2011 (“the Act”) received the Royal assent on 19 September 2011 and will come into force on 19 March 2012. Nicholai Anderson and Ashiq Hamid from ChenPalmer discuss what the impact of this will be ... >read more
SSPA Conference – Mangere, Auckland 25/26 August, 2011Common Language, Common Sense, Common Ground…
Conference papers:
SSPA submission on Mandatory Social Work Registration... >read more
Leadership for EmergencePresentation at a SSPA workshop in Canterbury from Chris Jansen ... >read more
SSPA Research Workshop - 2 June 2011Critical Factors for Referral and Case Management between Social Services and Primary Care Download Word Doc | Powerpoint Presentation Review of Community Recovery Initiatives Download PDF | Powerpoint Presentation Long Term Planning for Recovery after Disasters Download Powerpoint Presentation Appendicies Appendix 1 Information for Clinicians Appendix 2 Adult Patient Information Sheet Appendix 3 Parent Information Sheet
SSPA Submission for the Select Committee Alcohol Reform Bill
... >read more
Guiding Principles of Cultural PractiseSSPA actively promotes, supports and recognises the diversity, multi cultural and ethnic composition of the people of Aotearoa. SSPA is guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the United Nations Charter in promoting best practise utilising indigenous models of practise when working with those of different ethnicities.
A cultural practise works alongside traditional beliefs and values, as well as recognising the variations that exist within the fanau. This can include New Zealand born culture which over time and generations can become diluted but still retain some essential remnants of island born beliefs. The emerging New Zealand born Pacific culture is an evolution and adaptation to the here and now, influenced and shaped by New Zealand and the global environment... >read more
Social Work Registration Board's Response to FeedbackThank you for providing the Social Work Registration Board with the feedback from your members. The SWRB is appreciative of the opportunity to respond to the concerns and to talk with your Board about the future direction of Social Workers Registration... >read more
Social Work Registration Questionnaire – Feedback25 responses were received on the Social Work Registration Questionnaire sent to Social Service Providers throughout NZ in 2010. There were many different perspectives provided in response to the questionnaire and I have included as many of these as possible to give the flavour and diversity of opinion from providers... >read more |
