The compulsory monitoring of children, by midwives or Plunket, was the No 1 recommendation of Rotorua coroner Wallace Bain in his findings into Moko’s death. Mr Bain said it was a major concern that Moko was not visited by any organisation despite those flags. She also highlighted changes being made to the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, which would improve outcomes for vulnerable children. Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft shied away from compulsory monitoring, but said the concept was worthy of national debate. He pointed out about 91% of New Zealand children already voluntarily get comprehensive Well Child checks, where Plunket nurses or Maori providers monitor children up to age 5.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 13, 2017 19:41 UTC