This independent analysis has been developed in response to correspondence sent to parents students in New Zealand High Schools in 2024.
In January 2024, parents at a High School in South Canterbury received a letter from the Public Health Nurse for Child and Youth Health at Te Whatu Ora, advising that the government had allocated specific funding for an “extra health and wellness check” to be offered to all Year 9 students (aged 12-13yrs) using the HEEADSSS Assessment Framework.
Parents have expressed concerns about certain lines of questioning that their young children may be subjected to and it is clear that the aim is to conduct these assessments without parental attendance.
As a result, we looked into this Assessment and the conditions of its use. We asked a range of experts, including lawyers, psychologists, psychotherapists, ex-principals and parents for their views on the data collected. As a result, this report was produced.
Our intention is to ensure that parents have full information to enable them to give INFORMED CONSENT or to withdraw their child from participating in this assessment if they choose.
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