Family Start programme under review
New Zealand's Family Start home visiting programme is under review after it was found the American version failed to reduce child abuse.
The New Zealand version was modelled on the Healthy Start from Hawaii.
Research found that version did not prevent abuse because workers did not have enough training to recognise danger and take action, The New Zealand Herald reported.
The strategy had moved to strength-based goal setting by the families.
A home visitor approved one mother's goal "to be happy", researchers said.
Similar concerns have been raised about the New Zealand programme.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said the $29 million programme would be evaluated.
She could not say whether the local programme was working.
"I don't know and that's why we're reviewing it."
- NZPA
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