Now most of the fuss over the flag debacle has died down, it is high time attention was given to the appalling number of Maori children and young people who are in Child, Youth and Family care – out of the whole total, 60 per cent are Maori from a Maori population of 15 per cent.

As usual, the Government will be blamed but it is not the Government's fault but that of the abusive, uncaring parents of these neglected children. What can be done to halt this shameful state of affairs?

Firstly, benefits should be restricted. Teenagers must learn that getting pregnant and going on a benefit is not a career choice. The benefit ought to be only paid to unmarried mothers above the age of 18 and every effort made to get the father's financial support.

Benefits only paid for the first two children – if you continue breeding with neither the means, or will to look after your offspring, you must take full responsibility for them. It would seem that the loving whanau is a myth.

Parenting skills should be taught in schools. CYF do a great job but what about the million- dollar funded Whanau Ora? What amount of care for young Maori are they giving?

To stop benefit money being used by abusive parents for drugs and alcohol, food and clothing stamps should replace money – so its non-transferable!

Maori tribes have been given more than $3 billion of taxpayers' money to settle, often dubious claims. It is time they spent some of it helping Maori families giving their children a safe, loving home. Because 60 per cent of Maori children in care is a disgraced to all Maori.

M Brooks, Tauranga City.