About Family Start
On this page:
» What is Family Start
» Who is the target group for Family Start?
» The role of family/whanau workers
» Where are Family Start services available?
» Contacting Family Start
» Download the Programme Manual - 1.25Mb
What is Family Start?
The Family Start programme was established in 1998 as part of a wider strategy to strengthen families. It provides intensive, home-based support services for families with high needs, to ensure that their children have the best possible start in life.
The aims of Family Start are to:
- improve health, education and social outcomes for children
- improve parents’ parenting capability and practice
- improve children and parents’ personal and family circumstances.
Family Start is funded and managed by the Ministry of Social Development. The programme is delivered by contracted service providers. Family Start complements the work undertaken by agencies throughout New Zealand such as Plunket and Well Child Tamariki Ora.
Who is the target group for Family Start?
The Family Start programme is aimed at the 15 percent of the population most at risk of poor life outcomes. In each location the aim is to ensure that at least the five percent at highest risk participate in the programme.
Designated community agencies refer families to Family Start. Families can be accepted onto the programme from 6 months before the birth of a child up to one year after. Participation in the programme is voluntary.
The role of family/whanau workers
The core of the Family Start programme is home visiting by a family/whanau worker. This person works with the family to identify priorities and to support them to achieve their goals. A family may be involved with many different agencies. The family/whanau worker acts as an advocate and coordinator between all agencies to ensure that the family’s priorities are met.
Where are Family Start services available?
Family Start is currently operating in:
|
|
Contacting Family Start
Ministry of Social Development - Family Start National Team
Family and Community Services
Street Address: Level 3 Charles Fergusson Building, West Block Wellington
Mailing Address: PO Box 1556 Wellington
Key Responsibilities
Contact the following people if you have questions about:
- General enquiries about Family Start
- Database working group
- Reporting working group
- National trends and priorities
Mark Bromley
National Coordinator Family Start
04 978 4239
029 200 9138
Email: Mark.Bromley001@msd.govt.nz
