Social services

Most families and whānau require assistance during their life time and seek help first through their own support networks.

When families and whānau do seek assistance outside their own support networks, they need services that take account of all their family circumstances and responsibilities, rather than the needs of individuals in isolation from thier families. A ‘whole family approach’ better integrates multiple services around the needs of families rather than families having to fit into what different, unconnected service providers provide.

In recent years research has explored principles of practice in highly innovative organisations that deliver positive outcomes for families and whānau through having communities and different social service sectors work together.

Reports and resources in this theme explore the social support needs for families and whānau and vulnerable families in particular, and describe innovative practice research that we have undertaken with schools and community groups.

National Drug Policy
Submission to the Ministry of Health

In this submission, the Families Commission provides evidence from three of its research studies which show that there needs to be more support for families living with addiction.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 28 Feb, 2014
Download Submission on the National Drug Policy (265.85 KB)
Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children
Submission to the Education and Science Select Committee

The relationship and interactions between schools, families and communities can have a significant bearing on educational outcomes.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 7 Nov, 2013
Download Submission to the Inquiry into engaging parents in the education of their children (381.41 KB)
Carers Strategy Action Plan 2013-2018
Submission to the Ministry of Social Development

The Carers Strategy dates from 2008. The Action Plan 2013-2018 is the second aimed at progressing it.
SUBMISSIONS
Fri 2 Aug, 2013
Download Submission on the Carers Strategy Action Plan (319.58 KB)
At the Heart
Families at the centre, communities leading

Video based resources to help you think about your work with families and communities.
FORUM REPORTS
Mon 25 Feb, 2013
Download At The Heart User Guide (686.7 KB)
Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill
Submission to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee

The Commission’s submission supports proposals to provide dispute resolution processes outside the court that promote early resolution for families.
SUBMISSIONS
Wed 13 Feb, 2013
Download Submission on the Family Court Proceedings Reform Bill (306.09 KB)
Disabled parents
Diversity, experiences, and support needs

This resource shares knowledge about the needs and experiences of disabled parents, and can be used by government and service providers, as well as by parents.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Tue 27 Nov, 2012
Download Disabled parents – Diversity, experiences and support needs (913.1 KB)
Pacific families and problem debt

This research looks at how Pacific families manage their finances. The information can be used by government and providers as they design future initiatives with Pacific families.
RESEARCH REPORTS
Sat 24 Nov, 2012
Download Pacific families and problem debt (1.3 MB)
Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill
Submission to the Social Services Select Committee

In this submission, the Families Commission supports the intention of the Bill to improve the lives of beneficiaries, and calls for a number of changes to the Social Security Act to do this more effectively.
SUBMISSIONS
Thu 1 Nov, 2012
Download Social Security (Benefit Categories and Work Focus) Amendment Bill (456.5 KB)
Snapshot 17-12: Financial Hardship
Problem Debt

Problem debt is one symptom of financial hardship and is a significant barrier to families enjoying a meaningful, rewarding life. Families need to take action early before their debt spirals o
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 17-12: Financial Hardship (217.83 KB)
Snapshot 16-12: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting

Becoming a parent at a young age brings real challenges but with the right support teen parents can achieve good outcomes. We need to build more deliberate connections to make better use of cu
SNAPSHOTS
Mon 8 Oct, 2012
Download Snapshot 16-12: Teen Pregnancy and Parenting (217.09 KB)

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