First Call for Children

Waitakere City Council's landmark adoption of its First Call for Children Principle in 1993 firmly established it as a national leader in putting children first.  Council has taken this a step further with the adoption of the First Call For Children Policy.

Introduction

First Call for Children recognises that Waitakere is a young city and that special consideration is required to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people and to enhance their participation in civic life.

The principle of "First Call for Children" arose out of the 1990 World Summit for children and reflected the commitment world leaders made then, to give high priority to the rights of children.

The First Call for Children Policy provides a context for the Council's work with children and youth. In order to make Waitakere City a great place for kids, it aims to ensure that the Council understands the rights, needs and best interests of children and takes these into account in the provision of services, projects and activities. The policy also guides the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child within the Council and provides a framework for action for the different sections of Council.

Waitakere City aims to be a city where children and youth:

• Participate in the development of the city
• Play and hang out safely
• Have good health care, education and housing
• Are free from violence
• Develop their own cultural identity and enjoy the city's diversity
• Are free from discrimination
• Access integrated transport systems
• Enjoy clean air and water and green spaces
• Are free from poverty

The Waitakere City Council First Call for Children Policy has a set of underlying principles:

• Recognising the Treaty of Waitangi
• Celebrating diversity
• Encouraging participation
• Being informed of the right needs and interests of children and youth
• Commitment to collaborative advocacy and work
• Promoting healthy development
• Working effectively

Implementation

Advocacy

Awareness and Understanding of Issues

The Council is committed to identifying and addressing the issues facing children and young people in Waitakere. As part of this work Council supports and works with many groups and networks that focus on youth and children.

Advocate for Children

Waitakere City has two Children's Advocates, elected members whose role is to highlight and, if necessary, speak out locally and nationally on the needs of younger residents.

Partnerships and Advocacy Leader: Youth and Children

The Council has a dedicated staff-member to ensure 'First Call for Children' actions occur across Council and to work in partnership with external agencies for the benefit of the City's young people.

Services

First Call for Children means considering the needs of children and young people in terms of Council's own services, projects and activities. If we plan and design with children in mind, then we can assume that we will be creating a "people friendly city" because if it's great for children, it's generally great for everyone.

Participation

Waitakere City Council is committed to proactively involving children and young people in City projects and decision-making processes. Their views and input are critical to improving the quality of life in Waitakere City now and for the future.

Please contact us for more information.

Policy

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First Call For Children Policy (Size 44K)