Praise for Paula Bennett from National Network of Stopping Violence Services manager Brian Gardner:
Family violence agency applauds Bennett for funding change delay
He gave credit to Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
“I think I need to give the minister half a bouquet, or two-thirds of a bouquet,” he said. “She has listened to what has come out of communities saying what makes a difference.”
Good to see credit given where it’s due.
Local family violence agencies have won a one-year reprieve before the Government introduces a radical new results-based system of funding social services.
Last week’s Budget has quietly extended a $2.8 million allocation for 32 local agencies to co-ordinate work to reduce family violence until June next year.
Old system
* What: Agencies paid by client numbers.
* Incentive: Compete to attract clients from any source.
New system
* What: Agencies paid on agreed milestones, eg, getting someone a job.
* Incentive: Work with everyone who can help, eg, schools, training agencies, drug/alcohol services.
(source NZ Herald)
Quentin Todd
/ May 28, 2012It will go along way if Government actually supports these agencies and not hinder their work by squeezing out the funds needed – there are parts of an economy like this that need ongoing support if we all want to see social behaviour changes for the better of society overall. I will be watching this one. Not sure National has an interest in these agencies outside of money.