Review of Strengthening Families
From 1 July 2005, the Strengthening Families initiative receives increased funding of more than $12 million over the next four years, following a review of the initiative.
This is on top of a Budget 2005 allocation of $2.5 million to increase Strengthening Families co-ordinators’ hours.
The review recommended a transition to more professional and consistent arrangements for the co-ordination of the Strengthening Families process, along with having government agencies more involved.
Strong local ownership will remain, but with improved support and resources.
A major advance in the implementation of Strengthening Families is the provision of $1 million this financial year and $2.75 million in future years to compensate community organisations for carrying out the lead agency role, which they have not been previously funded for.
The funding will also be used for increasing the availability of facilitators and co-ordinators, and for their training and support.
Strengthening Families involves government and community agencies working together with children, young people and their families to support and improve their overall wellbeing and future opportunities.
The Strengthening Families review found that the Strengthening Families initiative is a good way to deliver services to families with multiple needs.
The environment in which Strengthening Families operates has, however, changed markedly since it was established in 1997 and some adjustments are now required to address current issues, and to enhance the capacity of the initiative to meet future needs.
Professional information sharing between Strengthening Families groups nationally and promotion of the programme will also be enhanced.
The Ministry of Social Development’s Family and Community Services, in partnership with other government agencies, will be co-ordinating the implementation of the review recommendations with support from MSD regional staff and in consultation with community organisations.
- Download Review of Strengthening Families Local Collaboration in MS word - 410kb .
- Download Annexes Review of Strengthening Families Local Collaboration Terms of Reference in MS word - 459kb.