Save the Children is part of Every Child Counts, a coalition of leading non-government organisations and professional bodies. In September the Every Child Counts annual conference will take a critical look at the question: “Are we there yet? Placing children at the centre of policy and planning”. Conference presenters will explore the efforts of central and local government in prioritising children’s needs.

A range of new children’s and young person’s initiatives have hit the headlines this year. Parliament passed the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill; Working for Families, which provides greater financial support for families, became a reality; and the provision of 20 hours free early childhood education has been rolled out.

This year’s conference attendees will gain a greater understanding of the extent that children have been the focus of political discourse, policy and planning. It is also a great opportunity to share opinions and resources on how future work can strengthen the place of children in our communities.

The conference will be held in Wellington on September 5^th. More information will be made available on the Every Child Counts website, with further details and registration of interest by email children1st@xtra.co.nz.