0800 323 543
Family Start Service
What is Family Start?
Family Start is an in-home visiting program focused on improving children’s growth and health, learning and relationships, family circumstances, environment, and safety. Participation in the program is voluntary and visits can start in the early stages of pregnancy up until the child is 5 years old, although exceptions are always considered on a case-by-case basis. If uncertain get in touch with us, we can help. Family Start may continue with the same family until a child is school-aged if needed.
How Can Family Start Help You?
Family life can be challenging and having a baby and bringing them up is a difficult job.
A whānau kaitiaki (Our Team) will:
-
Visit you at home, starting with once a week, and get to know you and your whānau.
-
Find out what parts of being a parent you’ve already got sorted and what you need help with.
-
Help get the right health care for your child.
-
Put you in touch with other help or services you need.
-
Explain how your baby is growing and changing at different ages as they grow.
-
Help you work out what you want to achieve, change or improve, and make a plan with you to help you get there.
-
Support you to keep your baby safe.
-
Help you solve problems as you work towards your goals.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much".
If you need support, you can fill out the referral form below, or email us at: familystart@kowhai.biz
Benefits of Family Start
Family Start is more than just a programme; it's a lifeline for families who need support. It's designed to improve a child’s health, learning, and relationships, providing them with a solid foundation for their future. The programme also acknowledges the strengths and aspirations of the family, ensuring that they are an integral part of the process.
The benefits of Family Start extend beyond the immediate family. By improving a child's health, learning, and relationships, we are investing in our future generations and creating a stronger, healthier community. The programme also provides families with the tools and resources they need to navigate challenges and build resilience, fostering a sense of self-reliance and empowerment.
Our Regions
When Should You Contact Family Start?
If you are having any difficulty or are unsure, it is best to contact us as soon as possible. We can begin the family start programme whenever the mother is pregnant up until the child is school-aged if needed. After that, we can assist you in obtaining ongoing assistance if necessary.
How To Join Family Start
If you want to join Family Start, all you have to do is contact a local agency provider, such as Kowhai, and fill out a referral form and the provider will do the rest. Healthcare experts, community workers, relatives, friends, and parents can all make a referral to Family Start (you can refer yourself). Once you have completed the form, or contacted us through phone or email, Kowhai will then gain a better grasp of who you are and how best to support you and your child going further.