For agencies

Whānau or families often need support from several different organisations. Strengthening Families is an established process where multiple organisations come together with a whānau or family to plan and organise support services.

Strengthening Families can be used by any whānau or family in Aotearoa New Zealand:

• with tamariki or rangatahi in their care
• who need help from more than 1 agency or service.

The process is free and 100% voluntary.

The process focuses on inter-agency communication – the benefits of Strengthening Families for agencies include:

• Agencies get the full picture of what is going on, so collectively they can tackle root causes.
• Gaps in service provision are identified and addressed.
• The process happens in a neutral setting with a trained facilitator so any conflict or negativity is avoided.
• Each agency is accountable for doing what they say they will.

If you know a whānau or family who could benefit from Strengthening Families, it is easy and quick to refer them.

You can either:

• encourage a whānau or family member to ask an agency they're working with to refer them by completing a referral form
• suggest they get in touch with their local Strengthening Families coordinator.