Becroft appointed Children’s Commissioner

The Herald reports:

Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft has been appointed the country’s next Children’s Commissioner with a brief to monitor massive changes to Child, Youth and Family.

That is a great achievement to get the Principal Youth Court Judge to agree to become the Children’s Commissioner.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley said Judge Becroft would be seconded from his duties as a judge for an unusually short two-year term as Children’s Commissioner.

“His input will be invaluable as we transform our care and protection system through the radical changes I recently announced, to focus on the short and long-term well-being of our children through to adulthood,” she said.

“Judge Becroft’s experience of dealing with troubled and at-risk young people will be vital in the development of a youth justice service aimed at preventing offending and reoffending as part of the major overhaul.

Again great to get such a high quality appointment.

Stuff reports:

Labour’s children’s spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern said it was “brilliant” news.

“A proven advocate for young people & a great appointment,” she tweeted. 

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei said he was a “fantastic appointment”. 

This shows the respect Becroft has across the spectrum.