Family Start is a free home-visiting programme that focuses on improving children's growth, health, relationships, family circumstances, environment and safety.
We deliver this programme in Manukau and Franklin to families/whānau struggling with challenges that make it hard to care for their baby or young child.
Who is eligible for Family Start?
Participants must be pregnant or have at least one child under 12 months old, and live in one of the following area:
Otara
Randwick Park
East Auckland
Clendon/Weymouth
Papatoetoe
Franklin
Manukau
Wiri
Additionally, at least two of the following statements must apply to the participant’s situation:
A young parent under 18 years old with additional challenges
Addiction(s) drugs, drink, gambling, other
Past or current Oranga Tamariki involvement with family
Serious problems with family/partner relationships
Concern about child's development
Struggling to meet baby's needs
Late or little ante/post-natal care
Baby with disability/special needs
How does Family Start work?
We match you with a family wellbeing navigator, who will visit you at home to get to know you, your child, partner and family/whānau. They will find out what you've already got sorted and the areas where you need support, then help you identify goals and develop a plan, connecting you to services to help on your journey.
When should I contact Family Start?
If you are struggling or unsure, it is better to get in contact sooner rather than later.
We can start any time from when the mother is three months pregnant until the child's first birthday. If a child is bit older, we might still be able to help. We can continue working with you and your child until they turn five. After that we can help make sure you get ongoing help if you need it.
