You-Be-The-Judge2015 Axford

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

You-Be-The-Judge2015 Axford ISBN: 978-0-473-33469-7. The dyslexic person’s version Compiled by Graeme Axford Edited by Karlie Clarke, Australian Family Law 1 The Preface Graeme Axford, who compiled this book, has been an advocate since 1989 and along the way became a qualified Social Worker since the mid-2000s. This book has arisen out of his dealings with the Child Protection System (CPS) in New Zealand and based upon the combination of both his personal and professional learning’s to this point in 2015. During this time, Graeme has voluntarily helped well over 15,000+ families and now stopped counting. There are definitely better qualified and much more able people than Graeme to have taken on this task but at the end of the day it was left to him despite the odds being stacked against him, as readers will later discover why and how. When on his quest for answers about some issues within the CPS, Graeme found a lot of very good academic research all over the place about specific topics in this field. So he wanted to try and gather as much information about the wider CPS issues and simplify it into this one document. Graeme wanted an overview from when and how an initial investigation might start and the progression through the CPS and into the Family Courts and everything in between. Many of the issues and learnings Graeme uncovered, from experience and research, led him to take his concerns to the New Zealand Parliament three times via Petitions numbers 2008/121, 2011/33 and 2011/52 for which most of this book is based upon the submissions that supported those. The reason Graeme based this book around that submission is because he wanted to show the issues were nothing new and that Parliament and Child, Youth and Family (CYF) had been made aware of them over many years. When Graeme wrote about the CYF staff tactics and behaviours, as outlined in his submission (for Petition 2011/52) before Parliament, CYF never rebutted many of his claims. The fact CYF never challenged this should attest to the accuracy of those claims. What’s more Graeme also gives other cases and examples of how what happened to him at the hands of some CYF staff were not isolated incidences and how in doing so CYF were not being at all child centred. Graeme was surprised about how a system that was meant to address dysfunction and abuse became that way itself. How CYF became part of the problem not a solution and if you have any doubts about that they should dissipate by the time you get to the end of this book. This book is going to be a bit different from most others for a few reasons. Mainly because the author suffers from a severe case of dyslexia, which has a profound effect on everything he does. Having dyslexia affects his literacy’s skills, like the ability to read and write well, let alone the grammar and punctuation. But more than 2 that, his streams of consciousness go all over the place, like Graeme starts something then would suddenly stop; forgets where he is in that moment or gets repetitive and at times can go far wider from the mark than a lot of people expect. However, there is a good side to having dyslexia that we hope you will see throughout this book and what that is we will leave to your imagination just for now to see if you can glean what it is from reading it. While this book has had some editing, it’s kept true to Graeme’s form as we wanted people to see things from his perspective in the hope it might be enlightening. The editors tried to keep the book as authentic as possible and true to Graeme’s very dyslexic ways. Many people with dyslexia have published books but in doing so during the editing processes they have not remained true to the quirkiness and giftedness people who have this condition often show. We wanted to avoid writing that out of this book wherever possible, which I believe we have done. So there are mistakes we have left in rather than taken out as the point of this book is not literary perfection but rather disability tolerance and an overall theme and stories and facts that support them. Graeme has been mocked; scoffed and ridiculed because of his writing style and even by officials and more so when he writes stuff on Social media or blogs by the wider online community. People see his poor writing style and take from that his lack of good literacy skills must be because he is unintelligent. They equate literacy with IQ and believe me when I say that happens a lot. However, I hope the readers can look past the literacy issues that dyslexia creates for Graeme and look into the wider purpose of this book and message it’s trying to convey and story it tells. When you read what Graeme was up against and tried to achieve, it is very much a David and Goliath ongoing type battle. As Graeme said instead of this book being a literary work of art this might end up being an abstract literacy/unliterary work of art that will be either a masterpiece or a piecemeal to master if you are able to. So Graeme does not expect to win a Nobel Prize in Literature or for his book to become a best-seller more so as it’s a giveaway. So no one should be charged or ask for money in return for this book. While we are using the book to raise money and highlight our cause, it’s by donation only if people are willing. However, if people find what’s in this book worthwhile and helpful there is, on the very last page, information about how you can help us in other non-financial ways as well. The layout and formatting of this book might be a departure from what’s normal, for example, Graeme puts the links underneath rather than having a reference section. That’s how Graeme does things as he finds it much easier to click on the link where needed, rather than go elsewhere and lose where he’s at. Graeme repeats many of the abbreviations throughout the chapters to try and make them as standalone as possible. That’s because some people might want to read only a few chapters, rather than the whole book as they could find that hard going or 3 not be as interested in some chapters like the one about the petitions or others about Graeme’s personal battle with CYF etc. Let’s see if you think what Graeme says has merit and reached his end goal of making people aware of how the system really does or does not work as he sees it. Most of Graeme’s experiences contained within this book come via helping others so he views this as the people’s information that he also learnt a lot from himself. So he is merely returning the knowledge and experiences imparted to him back to the people he tried to help via this book. He also used a lot of articles and others research that he felt it would be unfair to try and make money from their use. The links within this book should directly open from the PDF version to your internet browser and if they stop working for any reason please feel free to contact us and we can email you the information [email protected] as it’s all been saved. By the end of this book, you should see why Graeme talks about the lack of checks and balances within the CPS and how that virtually equates to being given unbridled power in his view. One should consider this and that is despite the increases in spending on New Zealand’s Child Protection System, why has there been no real improvement. Where is that money going, if not to solve or help mitigate the Child abuse, domestic violence or neglect issues? Graeme will provide you with answers about that which is more or less from the horse’s mouth. Once you read this book it’s over to “You-be-the-judge “what you make of it all. The power of a book lies in its power to turn a solitary act into a shared vision. As long as we have books, we are not alone. Laura Bush 4 Table of contents: Introduction Sets the scene and give a general overview of what’s to come. Page 7 Chapter One Overview of the entire New Zealand’s Child, Protection System as submitted and accepted by Parliament in 2011 by Graeme Axford. This is one if not the only truly comprehensive work of its kind ever done to date. Page 8 Chapter Two The history of CYF complaint system encompassing the Howard Broad review of CYF dated 2013. This very much supports my chapter one hypothesizes and then some. Page 69 Chapter Three The ways CYF see things and attempt at explaining some of the staff’s Modus operandi and persona. Page 109 Chapter Four Graeme Axford’s personal, history with Child, Youth and Family (CYF) the untold story about where and how this all started and escalated from. Page 128 Chapter Five What CYF have said about me and how others have seen it, and then You-Be-The- Judge about who you think is right.
Recommended publications
  • Responding to Sexual Violence: a Review of Literature on Good Practice
    October 2009 Responding to sexual violence A review of literature on good practice Authors: Elaine Mossman, Jan Jordan, Lesley MacGibbon, Venezia Kingi and Liz Moore Commissioned by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs Responding to sexual violence: A review of literature on good practice Elaine Mossman, Jan Jordan, Lesley MacGibbon, Venezia Kingi and Liz Moore Disclaimer This report was commissioned by the Ministry of Women‟s Affairs. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in the report are intended to inform and stimulate wider debate. They do not represent government policy. Published in October 2009 by the Ministry of Women‟s Affairs | Minitatanga Mō Ngā Wāhine PO Box 10 049, Wellington, New Zealand Phone: 0064 4 915 7112 Fax: 0064 4 916 1604 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mwa.govt.nz ISBN 978-0-478252-43-9 This document is available on the Ministry of Women‟s Affairs website: www.mwa.govt.nz/news-and-pubs/publications Contents List of tables .......................................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ............................................................................................... vi Executive summary .............................................................................................. vii Part one: Overview of adult sexual violence and good practice ......................... 1 1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Project overview ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Sea Change the Birth of a New Marine Institute
    ET LABORE MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND SPRING 2004 SEA CHANGE THE BIRTH OF A NEW MARINE INSTITUTE SELLING OUR EXPERTISE TOP TERTIARY TEACHERS MAINTAINING THE BRAIN WHAT DRIVES OUR DONORS? Be in to win an objet d’art with your new home loan. And a trip around the world to find it. Buying a home is one of the most exciting purchases you will ever make but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. Fixed or floating, one year or two? There are so many decisions to make and so many choices – how do you know what is best for your personal circumstances? At HSBC we draw on our worldwide resources and local knowledge to help you choose the right home loan for you. We recognise that everyone is different and therefore offer a flexible choice of options at extremely competitive rates that can be tailored to your individual needs. To celebrate your individuality we’re offering you the chance to enter a draw to choose an objet d’art that’s uniquely you and a trip around the world to find it – when you select your new home loan and draw it down by 28 February 2005. For a competition entry form and more details - HSB 2827 Visit your nearest branch 0800 88 86 86 www.hsbc.co.nz Issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, incorporated in Hong Kong, New Zealand branch. Lending criteria and terms and conditions apply to all our home loans (including a minimum home loan value). Lenders Mortgage Insurance or an application fee may apply where you are borrowing more than 80% of a property’s value.
    [Show full text]
  • Mahi Tahi 1 the Office of the Prime Minister’S Chief Science Advisor, Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua Ki Te Pirimia
    ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Mahi Tahi 1 The Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Kaitohutohu Mātanga Pūtaiao Matua ki te Pirimia. Tohua ngā whakatipuranga ki te inu i te puna o te mātauranga. Kia hora ai te whakaruruhau o te ora, ki runga ki te iwi. Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui. Show the new generation to drink of the wellspring of knowledge. That the sheltering mantle of well-being may spread over the people! Be strong, be courageous, be resolute. “Science is at the frontline of the issues that face our society … what PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE better way to equip our people to decipher information than through Opening remarks our scientific community” From the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern. Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern speaking at the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes, March 2019. esearch, science and innovation are core to To make science more accessible for New Zea- what we as a Government want to achieve landers, Juliet and her team have been using Twitter – a just transition to a low emissions econo- and Instagram to encourage young people to take Rmy and a measurable increase in the wellbeing of all part in the sciences. They’ve also been presenting in New Zealanders. That is why we celebrate excellence lots of forums, using blogs and developing their first and why we want to continue to lift investment in accessible science factsheet about antimicrobial re- science. sistance. No easy task. My Chief Science Advisor and the team of Chief I look forward to enjoying more science-led de- Science Advisors support me, ministers and govern- bate about tackling the issues that we’ve made a good ment agencies to make the best decisions on how to start on, informed by the work of Juliet, her team, tackle our long-term challenges by connecting us to and scientists across New Zealand and the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Self-Narrative, Feminist Theory and Writing Practice
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ResearchArchive at Victoria University of Wellington ON SHIFTING GROUND: Self-narrative, feminist theory and writing practice By Anne Else A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Victoria University of Wellington 2006 To Susan Moller Okin 1946-2004 Abstract This thesis centres on a problem that stands at the heart of feminist theory: how women may come to understand themselves as speaking subjects located within historically specific, discursive social structures, to question those structures aloud, and to seek to change them. It combines self-narrative, feminist theory and writing practice to make sense of a body of published work which I produced between 1984 and 1999, with a consistent focus on some form of gendered discourse, by setting it in its personal, historical, and theoretical contexts. Although the thesis is built around published work, it is not primarily about results or outcomes, but rather about a set of active historical processes. Taking the form of a spirally structured critical autobiography spanning five and a half decades, it traces how one voice of what I have termed feminist oppositional imagining has emerged and taken its own worded shape. First, it constructs a double story of coming to writing and coming to feminism, in order to explore the formation of a writing subject and show the critical importance of the connections between subjectivity and oppositional imagining, and to highlight the need to find ways of producing knowledge which do not rely on the notion of the detached observer.
    [Show full text]
  • Converging Currents Custom and Human Rights in the Pacific 
    September 2006, Wellington, New Zealand | STUDY PAPER 17 CoNvERgiNg CURRENTS Custom and human rights in the paCifiC The Law Commission is an independent, publicly funded, central advisory body established by statute to undertake the systematic review, reform and development of the law of New Zealand. its purpose is to help achieve law that is just, principled, and accessible, and that reflects the heritage and aspirations of the peoples of New Zealand. The Commissioners are: Right Honourable Sir geoffrey Palmer – President Dr Warren Young – Deputy President Honourable Justice Eddie Durie Helen Aikman qC The Manager of the Law Commission is Brigid Corcoran The office of the Law Commission is at 89 The Terrace, Wellington Postal address: Po Box 2590, Wellington 6001, New Zealand Document Exchange Number: sp 23534 Telephone: (04) 473–3453, Facsimile: (04) 914–4760 Email: [email protected] internet: www.lawcom.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand Cataloguing-in-Publication Data New Zealand. Law Commission. Custom and human rights in the Pacific / Law Commission. (Study paper, 1174-9776 ; 17) iSBN 1-877316-08-3 1. Customary law—oceania. 2. Human rights—oceania. 3. Civil rights—oceania. i. Title. ii. Series: Study paper (New Zealand. Law Commission) 340.5295—dc 22 Study Paper/Law Commission, Wellington 2006 iSSN 1174-9776 iSBN 1-877316-08-3 This study paper may be cited as NZLC SP17 This study paper is also available on the internet at the Commission’s website: www.lawcom.govt.nz <http://www.lawcom.govt.nz> LawCommissionStudyPaper He Poroporoaki The New Zealand Law Commission acknowledges with deep regret the passing of two notable Pacific leaders shortly before the printing of this study, the Maori queen and the King of Tonga.
    [Show full text]
  • Patterns of Media Performance : Comparing the Contribution of Mass Media to Established Democracies Worldwide
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2015 Patterns of media performance : comparing the contribution of mass media to established democracies worldwide Müller, Lisa Abstract: The notion that mass media are essential for modern democracies is widely accepted, but there is a great deal of controversy regarding how well media play their democratic role. However, neither of the positions within this debate rests on solid empirical and especially comparative evidence. Thus, this thesis aims to contribute to the cross-national research on democratic media performance and its effects on the quality of democracy. Part I develops a theoretical model of media performance, arguing that mass media have two democratic functions: vertically, they need to disseminate information about politics; and hori- zontally, they need to provide a public forum that reflects the diversity of the society. The degree towhich these two functions are fulfilled is analyzed on the level of media structures and media content, comparing up to 47 countries. The results reveal that media performance on both levels varies considerably across countries. While the media in the younger democracies within the sample generally lag behind, different patterns of media performance can be observed with respect to the more mature democracies. In short, the vertical function seems to be better guaranteed in Anglo-Saxon countries, whereas central Western and Northern European states are found to perform better with regard to the horizontal function. Part II of the book explores and reveals important links between media performance and various aspects of a well-functioning democratic regime.
    [Show full text]
  • Commission of Inquiry Into Police Conduct
    H.2 REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO POLICE CONDUCT 7(.Ņ0,+$1$7,527,52:+$121*$3,5,+,0$1$ QQQQQQ VOLUME 2 $33(1',&(6 QQQQQQ March 2007 COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO POLICE CONDUCT 7H .ņPLKDQD 7LURWLUR :KDQRQJD 3LULKLPDQD Commissioners from 18 February 2004 to 2 May 2005 Honourable James Bruce Robertson, Chairperson Dame Margaret Clara Bazley DNZM from 2 May 2005 Dame Margaret Clara Bazley DNZM Title: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct Volume 2: Appendices Author: Dame Margaret Bazley (Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct) Publisher: Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct Place of publication: Wellington, New Zealand Date of publication: March 2007 ISBN 978-0-477-10037-3 March 2007 Contact agency: Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua PO Box 805 Wellington New Zealand QQQQQQ – TABLE OF CONTENTS – VOLUME 2: APPENDICES List of appendices .............................................................1 – APPENDIX 1 – TERMS OF REFERENCE 4 Appendix 1.1: Order in Council, 18 February 2004....................................4 Appendix 1.2: Order in Council, 2 May 2005 ........................................9 – APPENDIX 2 – PROCESSES OF THE COMMISSION 13 Commencement of the inquiry ..................................................13 Parties to the inquiry and their legal representation ...............................13 Commission’s first public meeting, 22 March 2004 ................................14 Expressions of interest .....................................................14 Support for inquiry participants
    [Show full text]
  • The Liggins Institute Begins a New Phase of Life
    Dialogue06 . 2006 12 The Liggins Institute begins a New Phase of Life continued from page 2 "The Liggins Institute’s new status reflects the esteem in which it is held nationally and internationally. AgResearch is pleased to be affiliated with the Institute, and we anticipate much fruitful collaboration." Dr Andy West, CEO AgResearch A new phase of life The Liggins Institute and crown research institute AgResearch have a memorandum of understanding to move forward with collaborative research. alliances with some of New Zealand’s leading The Liggins Institute has been given a new status within the University organisations in the biotechnology, agriculture "Landcorp is delighted that the Liggins Institute has been recognised as The University of Auckland’s and medical sectors, and attract the best first large-scale research institute. It is fitting recognition of the leading edge research undertaken by the Institute." individuals from around the world to work with Dr Chris Kelly, CEO LandCorp it. There will be greater focus on developing Corporate Agribusiness Landcorp works closely with the Liggins Institute on a number of projects that are international partnerships. expected to bring significant benefits to New Zealand agriculture. “We are honoured to be chosen as the University’s first large-scale research "I’m delighted that the Liggins Institute has been recognised for the quality of its research, and given scope to grow its contributions even more in the future. Neuren is excited about moving forward with the institute,” says Liggins Institute Director Institute in its new phase of life." Professor Peter Gluckman. “It shows that David Clarke, CEO Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd our efforts to ensure that our research is at Biotechnology company Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd develops neuroscience discoveries from the the cutting edge, and to build critical mass Liggins Institute.
    [Show full text]
  • Auckland Medical History Society 1964~2014
    th YEAR 50 CELEBRATIONS OF MEDICAL HISTORY IN AUCKLAND AucklandTHE Medical History Society 1964~2014 Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there also is the love of humanity Hippocrates (460-370BC) Souvenir Booklet th YEAR 50 CELEBRATIONS OF MEDICAL HISTORY IN AUCKLAND Compiled by Dr Graeme Woodfield with help from numerous AMHS members. Auckland Hospital main building, built 1875, demolished 1964. Drawing by Valerie Hunton The Auckland Medical History Society: 50 Years All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher. Published Date: 8/2014. Soft cover. Printed in New Zealand ISBN 978-0-473-29086-3 Address for communication: Auckland Medical History Society PO Box 482, Orewa 0946, New Zealand The old sign of the Auckland Medical History Society outside the Ernest & Marion Library (EMDL) INDEX: Fifty years of stories and studies P. Gluckman ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 Our History Society G. Woodfield ........................................................................................................................................................ 3 The AMHS. Present arrangements and Constitution .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Previous
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Penal Populism?
    The Power of Penal Populism: Public Influences on Penal and Sentencing Policy from 1999 to 2008 By Tess Bartlett A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Criminology View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ResearchArchive at Victoria University of Wellington School of Social and Cultural Studies Victoria University of Wellington June 2009 Abstract This thesis explains the rise and power of penal populism in contemporary New Zealand society. It argues that the rise of penal populism can be attributed to social, economic and political changes that have taken place in New Zealand since the post­war years. These changes undermined the prevailing penal­welfare logic that had dominated policymaking in this area since 1945. It examines the way in which ‘the public’ became more involved in the administration of penal policy from 1999 to 2008. The credibility given to a law and order referendum in 1999, which drew attention to crime victims and ‘tough on crime’ discourse, exemplified their new role. In its aftermath, greater influence was given to the public and groups speaking on its behalf. The referendum also influenced political discourse in New Zealand, with politicians increasingly using ‘tough on crime’ policies in election campaigns as it was believed that this was what ‘the public’ wanted when it came to criminal justice issues. As part of these developments, the thesis examines the rise of the Sensible Sentencing Trust, a unique law and order pressure group that advocates for victims’ rights and the harsh treatment of offenders.
    [Show full text]
  • Report on Improving the Transition: Reducing Social and Psychological Morbidity During Adolescence
    Improving the Transition Reducing Social and Psychological Morbidity During Adolescence A report from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor May 2011 Office of the Prime Minister’s Science Advisory Committee PO Box 108-117, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150, New Zealand Telephone: +64 9 923 1788 Website: www.pmcsa.org.nz Email: [email protected] © Crown Copyright 2011, Office of the Prime Minister’s Science Advisory Committee ISBN 978-0-477-10334-3 (paperback) ISBN 978-0-477-10335-0 (PDF) Improving the Transition Contents Contributors to the Taskforce v Letter to the Prime Minister vii Synthesis Report Executive summary 1 Our key recommendations 15 Chapter 1 Puberty and adolescence: transitions in the life course 19 Peter Gluckman, Felicia Low, Kathryn Franko Chapter 2 Social and emotional competence: intervening in infancy 35 Trecia Wouldes, Sally Merry, Denise Guy Chapter 3 Self-control 49 Richie Poulton Chapter 4 Childhood conduct problems 59 David Fergusson, Joseph Boden, Harlene Hayne Chapter 5 Resiliency 79 Sue Bagshaw Chapter 6 The value of evidence-based life skills education 87 Peter Gluckman, Felicia Low, Jacquie Bay Chapter 7 Educational outcomes in adolescence for Māori and Pasifika students 97 Stuart McNaughton Chapter 8 Adolescents and the media: consequences and policy implications 111 Simon Denny Chapter 9 Adolescents and digital media 123 Tamar Murachver Chapter 10 Sexually healthy young people 133 Sue Bagshaw Chapter 11 Adolescent development for Māori 145 Chris Cunningham iii Improving the Transition Chapter 12 Pasifika
    [Show full text]
  • Coalition Traits That Affected New Zealand’S MMP Governments of 1996-2002
    Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. Formation, Durability and Susceptibility Coalition Traits that Affected New Zealand’s MMP Governments of 1996-2002 A dissertation presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy Massey University Albany Campus, North Shore City, New Zealand Grant Marc Gillon 2007 Abstract This thesis explores the relevant impact of three influences - policy, personality and opportunity - on New Zealand governments since 1996. The Mixed Member Proportional electoral system (MMP) was adopted by New Zealand for the 1996 general election. The various coalition government arrangements since then have been analysed using a series of case studies of identified events during coalitions’ crucial pre-election, formation, duration and termination stages. The roles assumed by, or perceived of, small parties have been important as have the actions of the pivotal party in each government. My interest in this topic springs from my service as an Alliance MP. I was an Alliance party list Member of Parliament during the 45th and 46th Parliaments (1996-2002). Systems theory was relied upon as the methodology with which to study relevant political processes. Key informant interviews and participant observation were the main research methods. This research investigates the traits, apparent in the coalitions formed from 1996 until 2002, which contributed to each government’s continuation or termination. Each stage reflected the parties’ competing interests as argued by theorists such as Muller and Strøm.
    [Show full text]