National Party concern over CYF sex abuse investigation

The National Party is concerned that Child Youth and Family is investigating sex-abuse allegations against one of its own social workers rather than leaving police to do it.

The social worker employed at a Christchurch branch of CYF was recently suspended amid allegations he abused the child of his partner while working for the department.

Head of the Christchurch police child abuse squad Detective Sergeant Neville Jenkins was unaware of the allegations or any police investigation into them yesterday when contacted by the Herald.

The Herald understands CYF had officially notified police through a computer system between the two government departments, and specialist child abuse teams run by CYF and police were looking into the allegations.

If enough evidence was found to back up the allegations against the social worker, the matter could be referred to police for a criminal investigation.

National Party social welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins said it was a concern to hear of anybody in a social working role who had been accused of physical or sexual abuse against children. She said the matter needed to be dealt with quickly and independently for the sake of all involved, and for the reputation of the department.

"The thought that CYF might be investigating one of its own seems to be to be most inappropriate."