UPDATED 5.03pm: Labour MP Jacinda Ardern wants to see more than just cost cutting from a coming review of Child Youth and Family.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley has ordered a full independent review of Child Youth and Family.

She has named Paula Rebstock to head the panel in charge of the work.

Ms Ardern says some of the language being used by the Government is disturbing, particular suggestions of an "investment approach".

"The way that the Terms of Reference are drafted does give the impression that she's simply trying to figure out a way to do more with less."

Ardern says it needs to be ensured that CYF retains its fundamental role of intervening when a child is at risk.

"My concern is that she's using contracting out to mop up the fact that they're not resourced well enough to do even that job properly."

Ms Tolley says CYF will be modernised and have a new operating model, arguing a strategy is needed that focuses on the needs of children, not the needs of the system.

"I was minister of corrections. The high percentage of people in prison who've had some contact with CYFS tells us that something serious is going on with their lives and we're not actually addressing that."