Who it's for

Any family or whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand can use Strengthening Families, as long as tamariki or rangatahi are involved. 

Families of all shapes and sizes use Strengthening Families. This includes:

  • solo parents
  • grandparents raising grandchildren
  • teenage parents
  • foster parents
  • any other whānau or family type you can imagine.

Strengthening Families is for a whānau or family when more than 1 community or government service can support you if you are facing challenges like:

  • finding a warm, comfortable home for your whānau or family
  • getting help with health or behaviour of your tamariki or rangatahi
  • money troubles
  • your child not doing well at school
  • coping with stress at home
  • family relationships
  • family violence
  • addiction.

Your whānau or family may already be involved with different agencies. However, you do not have to be involved with 2 or more agencies when you first get in touch.

When not to use Strengthening Families

If things are already going well working with 2 or more agencies, you may not need to use Strengthening Families.

Families facing challenges where there is suspected child abuse or neglect are not able to use Strengthening Families. Contact Oranga Tamariki if you are worried about te tamaiti or rangatahi.

Strengthening Families is a not mediation service and cannot help reconcile family break-ups. There are other ways you can get help with these types of issues, including Relationship Services and the Family Court.

Published: July 11, 2022