This report is one of two reviews which have a central aim of identifying measures to improve the sustainability of the care and protection system. Both of the reports were directed by the Cabinet Committee on Government Expenditure and Administration (EXG) and consider progress made since the 2003 Baseline Review in the key areas of demand for statutory care and protection services, and provision of care services to children and young people with established care and protection concerns. The other review is the Responses to Permanency Review. The Demand Review is primarily concerned with addressing the rapid rise in demand for statutory care and protection services. It has been noted by Cabinet that further improvement is needed in whole of government performance in the areas of early intervention, and care and protection. The report sets out changes needed to address the rising demand for statutory care and protection services including, a range of internal business process adjustments and a different approach to working with partner agencies. Immediate, short-term, and long-term strategies are discussed. It is noted that to provide the right services at the right time and in such a way that children's needs are met, greater emphasis on multi-agency response is needed, along with enhanced family support services that provide effective early intervention.

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