Page 6 - PSNZ Annual Report 2017-18

Family Works - the year in review
SALLY
For 14-years Sally’s* life had consisted of drug and alcohol fuelled violence. This chaotic and abusive lifestyle was all her children had ever known. But in 2017 their world changed.
In 2017 Sally’s children were removed from her care. Sally lost hope, she shut down; but she finally fled her volatile relationship. It was then that Family Works opened the door on a new life.
Referred to a family violence group programme, Sally couldn’t see how attending would help. But in time, she began to trust the Family Works team. She opened up about her experiences and her own pent-up anger.
Supported by one of Family Works’
TE ARAHI
Speaking in te reo, Nathan* took the time to introduce himself properly to Te Arahi’s* grandmother. His pepeha told her that he was whānau on her mother’s side. She welcomed him.
Social service organisations had been attempting to engage with Te Arahi and his grandmother and three sisters for months. She wasn’t letting them into her whare anytime soon. That was until Nathan from Family Works showed up.
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professional social workers, Sally began to understand the effects the family violence had on her children. She learnt how to develop much healthier relationships.
Sally’s kids attended a group programme for children who have experienced family violence. Together, the family learnt how to stay safe and make non-violent choices.
Today Sally has a job, she’s moved into her own rented home, two of her children are living with her while the two eldest visit often, and she and her ex-partner have put their differences aside for the sake of their kids.
Sally’s inspiring story shows that with the right support, it’s never too late to turn things around.
Family Works knows that to ensure Māori whānau are receiving the best support possible, we must be truly culturally responsive.
Te Pā Harakeke roopū, Family Works’ National Māori advisory group, works hard to ensure Māori voices inform strategic policy, decision making and practice. It’s paying off.
“ “
You saved my life.
Thank you for being that person that was there when I had lost all hope, for being the glimmer of warm light and hope in a time of need.
The roopū are overseeing the roll out of
*Names and images have been changed to protect the identity of the client.
More than $33.5 million
spent on prevention, early intervention and intensive casework services
“ Easily accessible, warm and welcoming.
We work in
Family Works centres,
230
schools and dozens
50
of communities
Family Works’ national kete, a training kit designed to equip all staff with
the skills and knowledge needed to work constructively with Māori in the community.
Over the past year Te Pā Harakeke roopū has successfully helped develop engagement plans and memoranda of understanding with a number of local iwi.