The Power of Mothers
by Celia Lashlie, Harper Collins, $36.99
Having served as an officer in both male and female prisons, Celia Lashlie has an understanding of not only the Corrections Department and associated state agencies, but more importantly the inmates, particularly mothers.
The early chapters of this easy-to-read book consider
the circumstances leading to the convictions of Bailey Junior (B.J.) Kurariki and Maka Renata, and CYF's involvement with both.
The author believes CYF's inaction led to Kurariki being present on the night Michael Choy was killed, and that state intervention also resulted in 14-year-old Renata being placed in the "care" of his gang-patched uncle, with whom he was jointly charged with rape.
Although Lashlie sees prison for women as a possible "place of empowerment", she believes present management systems will not achieve this.
This book is worthwhile reading for New Zealanders interested in change.
Lashlie knows her stuff, and she convincingly argues that for successful change to occur "we need to learn to work with mothers". An excellent book.
