"This is a report commissioned by Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (Superu) on behalf of the New Zealand Modernising Child, Youth and Family Expert Panel (the Panel). The aims of the paper are to compare various aspects of the current child protection systems in New Zealand with other jurisdictions around the world; identify common themes and tensions that these child protection systems are encountering and the ways that they have addressed (and are addressing) some of the important issues. This report outlines some key issues for child protection systems, based on a review of approaches and reforms in England, the United States, Canada (Ontario), Norway and Australia (New South Wales). These jurisdictions were selected as being similar to New Zealand in their basic approach to child protection but also to include one jurisdiction which offers a contrasting approach. Systems in the English-speaking jurisdictions are all ‘child protection’ oriented or ‘residual’. In these systems child protection is mainly a response to children who have been maltreated or who are at significant risk of maltreatment. The systems therefore focus on assessment, surveillance and child removal. In contrast, the Norwegian system is a ‘family support’ system which intervenes in a wider range of family issues and is focused on supporting families in the community. This paper is based on a search of peer-reviewed and ‘grey literature’ and compares jurisdictions with New Zealand." (From the Executive summary). Superu has also published a 16-page In Focus based on this report (#5070). See also the final report of the Expert Panel on Modernising Child Youth and Family (#4979). Record #5071