Protecting children, helping parents: NZ social workers speak about the challenges of their jobs

After last year’s budget cuts to social services, including a NZ$14 million cut to early home visits, social service providers in New Zealand raised concerns about what the move would mean for children and families needing support. But in-depth interviews with nine social and family workers completed in 2023 reveal a sector that has struggled under successive Labour and National governments to protect children facing neglect and violence in the home.