Westport home

Press, 15 February 1989, Page 20

Westport home

Sir,—l would like to know why a Department of Social Welfare family home in Westport will cost up to $300,000 and only cater for six children. Surely a “home” for six children and

parents in a normal situation in Westport would not get anywhere near this figure. The facility may be a bonus to social workers and children, but to the taxpayer it sounds excessive. It would be in the department’s interest to give the public more information on this family home.—Yours, etc.,

(Mrs) W. C. WEBSTER, February 1, 1989.

[Mr Bede Martin, director, Department of Social Welfare, Greymouth, replies: "Not so many years ago children needing to be cared for outside their own homes were often placed in large institutions. While these institutions often did a wonderful job it has now been accepted that, for children, something was missing. Children in alternative forms of care need to form close relationships with the adults caring for them and this is only possible in small group situations. Worse still in Westport such children have often had to move away from friends, family and familiar surroundings, which is undesirable. I believe the money spent in getting up this house will be money well spent, for which the taxpayers’ return will be happier and more secure, children and families.”]