This article discusses family continuity in the care of abused children, and the involvement of families in decision making and resolution. The article draws on the principles of the 1989 New Zealand Children Young Persons and Their Families Act, Family Group Conferences, and local and international qualitative research. A lack of both qualitative and quantitative research on kinship care is identified. The impact of colonisation and assimilation of Māori and the subsequent return towards family/whānau decision making as a result of the Act is outlined, along with the shift in the 1980's from state responsibility to family responsibility. Practice concerns around safety for at-risk children within extended families are identified, and the author suggests intervention strategies should focus on the whole care-giving unit.

Child Welfare 80(5) September/October 2001 : 497-511