As New Zealand's largest children's charity, we work hard every day to do more for Kiwi kids. We offer everything from education programmes to intensive support services, the majority of which accept self-referrals — because we believe everyone should be able to access support when they need it.
Alongside our own programmes, we support a number of services run by both government- and non-government agencies. This includes providing facilitators for the Ministry of Education's Intensive Wraparound Service and Lead Professionals to Oranga Tamariki's Children's Teams.
No matter the challenge, we have a way to help New Zealand children and their families grow and develop. Because we believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine bright.
0800 WHAT'S UP is a free, nationally-available counselling helpline and web–chat service for children and teenagers. It's staffed by trained counsellors — available from early afternoon to 10pm, 365 days a year.
To find out more about 0800 WHAT'S UP, visit our dedicated page or check out www.whatsup.co.nz.
Active Dads is community based programme that creates opportunities for fathers to strengthen their bonds with their young children. Active Dads runs a range of regular, free public events, including:
All events are suitable for children younger than 10.
Active Dads also provides regular dads–only evenings that focus on fostering open conversations, creating peer relationships and increasing parenting capabilities.
Active Dads events occur 1–2 times a month, usually during weekends. Attendance is free and prospective attendees are encouraged to contact their local office to have their name added to the Active Dads mailing list so they never miss an event.
Blenheim & Marlborough
E: blenheim.office@barnardos.org.nz
P: (03) 578 6491
Nelson
E: nelsonamu@barnardos.org.nz
P: (03) 539 0019
Bumps to Babies is Barnardos' dedicated pregnancy, birth and early parenting education and support programme in the MidCentral region. It provides expectant mums and partners (and support people) all the information they need to prepare for the arrival of their first child. It also helps new parents build support networks of people in similar situations to their own.
To find out more, visit our dedicated Bumps to Babies page.
Barnardos is a key partner in the Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration (CFVC) — a group of more than 50 organisations that work together to effectively address systemic family violence in the Canterbury region.
CFVC working towards a Canterbury free from physical, sexual and psychological abuse where everyone can feel safe. To do this, it works across the spectrum on prevention initiatives, crisis support, resettlement and long-term recovery.
CFVC is part of our national commitment to responding to Family Violence.
For more information, visit the CFVC website.
Barnardos is a key partner in Child & Youth Friendly Christchurch (CYFC) — a collaboration of local individuals, businesses and organisations who’ve pledged to work together to make Christchurch the best city to grow up in.
CYFC has 3 aims:
You can find out more about CYCF on the collaboration’s official website.
The Barnardos Children's Safety Programme is for children aged 5–17 years who have witnessed or experienced family violence. The programme focuses on:
The first step is developing a safety plan with both a child and their carer. Children are then encouraged to attend our Footsteps to Feeling Safe programme (run primarily in groups for a minimum of 9 weeks).
During the Footsteps programme, children work on:
By talking with children and involving them in programme activities, we help them rebuild their self–esteem so they can face the future with confidence.
Our children's safety programmes are free for anyone referred by the Family Court or Oranga Tamariki.
If you'd like to know more about this service, call 0800 227 627 or send us a message.
Children's Supervised Contact enables a child to spend time with a parent or family member with whom they do not have day–to–day contact.
Trained Barnardos staff supervise all meetings and provide a controlled, safe and caring environment for children and their parents. This supervision allows children to feel comfortable as they make contact or reconnect with a parent or family member who has been out of their life.
The Family Court will fund up to 14 supervised contact sessions when this is needed to keep children safe. In most other cases, the visiting parent pays for the service.
Supervised Contact can also be used for changeover arrangements — when a child is dropped off by one parent and picked up by the other.
For more information or to enrol in this service, call 0800 227 627 or send us a message.
Family Breakdown Assessment (FBA) is a child-centered service operated on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). It is designed for young people under the age of 19 who have had a family breakdown and are unable to live with their parents or guardians for a range of reasons . Barnardos undertakes an assessment of the circumstances meeting with the young person , family members and any other key people in the young person’s life to identify if there has been a family breakdown. Once this assessment is complete this is sent to Work and Income New Zealand who are then responsible for determining whether or not to grant the appropriate benefit for that person.
Availability
This service is available Nationwide across New Zealand.
How to refer
All referrals to this service can only be made through Work and Income and cannot be made directly to Barnardos.
Who to contact
To find out more contact your local Work and Income office or see https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/relationships/family-breakdown.html#null
Family Start is a child-centred, intensive, home visiting programme. It focuses on improving children’s
The programme supports families and whānau who struggle with challenges that put good health, education and social outcomes for their children at risk. The target group for Family Start is babies up to 12 months of age and pregnant women in their second or third trimester. There are eligibility criteria based on clear risk factors, as set out on the referral form.
Family Start is only available in North and South Taranaki.
A referral form must be completed for anyone wanting to enrol in this programme. Forms can be found on the referral forms page.
To find out more, email elaine.nichols@barnardos.org.nz or call (06) 968 8533.
Sometimes, children aren't able to be with their families. There can be any number of reasons for this. Regardless of the situation, our foster carers are there to provide stability, safety and care for children who need it — for as long as they need it.
To find out more, visit our dedicated foster care page.
Home Interaction for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) is an in-home programme that helps parents nurture and educate their under-6s. It revolves around parent-led activities that help young children build their skills and learning in preparation for starting school.
HIPPY is designed specifically for those parents who may not feel comfortable in their own ability to support their children’s education. Parents and children work together for 15 minutes a day using storybooks, puzzles and learning games.
HIPPY is based on the bond between parents and children. Tutors offer support that builds parents’ strengths so they can provide their children with the skills and confidence necessary to begin school with a positive attitude toward learning.
Barnardos is contracted by Great Potentials to deliver the HIPPY programme in 4 communities across New Zealand.
For more information or to enrol in this service, contact the coordinator in your area.
Hayley Brown (Whāngarei)
E: hayley.browne@barnardos.org.nz
P: 027 212 0377
Mihaela Enache (Auckland West)
E: mihaela.enache@barnardos.org.nz
P: 027 667 4589
Jeanette Higham (Northern Hutt Valley)
E: jeanette.higham@barnardos.org.nz
P: 027 561 4474
Hiria Davies (Naenae)
E: hiria.davies@barnardos.org.nz
P: 027 406 5119
Incredible Years is a 14-week programme for parents and caregivers of children aged 3–8 to grow their positive parenting skills. It provides practical help and support focused on
Incredible Years offers parents and caregivers the chance to
Parents who complete the programme tend to experience less stress, an improved sense of well-being, and improved relationships with each other and their children. Their children tend to show fewer behavioural challenges.
For more information or to enrol in this service, contact the coordinator in your area.
Auckland
E: agnes.kapisi-sevi@barnardos.org.nz
P: (09) 625 3684
Gisborne
E: gisborne.amu@barnardos.org.nz
P: (06) 869 1340
Taranaki
E: taranaki.amu@barnardos.org.nz
P: (06) 753 3484
Blenheim
E: blenheim.amu@barnardos.org.nz
P: (03) 578 6491
LEAP is a specialised support service designed for children and families facing multiple challenges.
To find out more about this service, visit our dedicated LEAP page. For a LEAP referral form, go to our referral forms page.
Leap Ahead is an education programme for parents or caregivers returning to work or education through Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). It helps parents manage the changes their families will experience as part of their transition away from full-time parenting.
Leap Ahead allows parents to discuss
Leap Ahead is strengths-based programme that focuses on building the existing skills and knowledge of the parents and caregivers attending.
All referrals to Leap Ahead are done by WINZ.
OSCAR is a before- and after-school care programme run out of Peninsula Primary School in Te Atatu, Auckland. Care is available 6.30-8.30am and 3-6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding school holidays).
Trained staff supervise children at all times and run a number of activities to engage and entertain them, including:
As part of the programme, children are provided with a nutritious breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Enrolment forms can be obtained from the school hall. Early booking is recommended due to limited capacity. All places will be confirmed by the programme supervisor ahead of time.
Download the OSCAR infosheet for parents (PDF, 43KB)
If you have questions about this service, email claire.o'reilly@barnardos.org.nz or call (09) 625 3753.
Parent in Charge (Mātua Whakaruruhau) is a programme designed for parents under the age of 18 who are receiving a Young Parent payment from the government.
The classes run over a 6 week period and help attendees
Mātua Whakaruruhau is free to eligible attendees.
For more information or enrol in this service, call 0800 227 627 or send us a message.
Our Parenting Mentoring Programme (Paiheretanga) is a 2-week intensive, home-based support service. It’s specifically for families and whānau who are involved with Oranga Tamariki or whose children are at risk of being referred to them. The programme is designed to promote child wellbeing by helping families develop a more stable family and home environment.
A parent mentor provides up to 40 hours of in-home support to help with
This service is available in both Whāngarei and Auckland (South). Referrals to the Auckland programme must come from Oranga Tamariki. Anyone is welcome to self-refer to the Whāngarei programme by contacting our Whāngarei-based coordinator.
For more information about this service, contact the coordinator in your area.
Whāngarei
E: christine.findlay@barnardos.org.nz
P: (09) 556 0818
Auckland
E: agnes.kapisi-sevi@barnardos.org.nz
P: (09) 625 3684
Parenting Plus North–West is an in-home parenting support package that uses toolbox methods developed by the Parenting Place. It helps families build their parenting capabilities and learn to manage difficult situations in a way that is most comfortable for them.
Our trained social workers visit clients in-home to determine their needs then provide a suite of tools tailored to them. The programme is available to families with children of all ages but is particularly focused on preparing families for parenting teenagers.
Parenting Plus North West is provided at a fixed rate of $75. This includes 6-10 sessions with a social worker, personal coaching and support, plus all resources. Some clients may be eligible for subsidised attendance, depending on their circumstances.
To find out more or enrol in this service, email sharyn.chow@barnardos.org.nz or call (09) 625 3675.
Parenting through Separation (PTS) is a free course for parents who are currently separating or have recently separated. It can also help grandparents and other family members/whānau who have responsibilities around a child's care.
To find out more, visit our dedicated PTS page.
Right Service Right Time is a family-centred, seamless support service that offers a broad range of services to people in need, hosted by Barnardos Christchurch.
Families seeking assistance often have multiple needs and require the services of more than one programme or support service. The Right Service Right Time approach offers families and professionals one point of contact for a range of services provided by over 45 partner agencies so they can access what they need when they need it.
Right Service Right Time staff tailor the services they provide to the strengths and needs of the families they work with.
For more information, check out the Right Service Right Time website.
SAGES is a Christchurch-based mentoring programme that matches families with life-skills mentors. Each family works with their mentor for at least 2 hours a week.
SAGES mentors are volunteers who use their own skills and life experiences to help families grow in areas they’ve identified an interest in. Mentors across the service have knowledge on a range of skills, including:
SAGES is currently only available in Christchurch.
Anyone who would like to become a mentor, or would like a mentor for their family, needs to complete an application form. Families may also be referred to SAGES by other agencies.
If you want a mentor or would like to refer someone to the programme, email lilly.down@barnardos.org.nz or phone (03) 378 2716. If you'd like to become a SAGES mentor, download and complete our mentor application form (PDF, 85KB).
For more information or to request a form, email lilly.down@barnardos.org.nz or phone (03) 378 2716.
Our specialist group homes provide a care programme for boys aged 12–16 with at-risk behaviour. We provide their day-to-day care while they attend offsite education or training and therapeutic treatment. The young people we work with are all referred to the service by Oranga Tamariki.
We help them
During the programme, we provide a wide range of experiences designed to extend and challenge our young people. We:
Our aim is always to help them return to their community in a safe and positive way. We involve their family and other support agencies throughout their time with us to ensure that each young person is able to return to a safe, stable and supportive environment.
Our team comes from a range of professions. It includes managers, social workers and residential youth workers who work with families and whanau and a wide variety of community providers.
We have specialist group homes across the country
All referrals to this service are made through Oranga Tamariki.
Strengthening Families brings together multiple agencies to provide coordinated support for families and whānau with multiple needs before problems get too big.
With our help, families can
Strengthening Families is free for any family or whānau receiving or requiring help from 2 or more government- or community support services.
For more information or to enrol in this service, call 0800 227 627 or send us a message.
Barnardos Support to Care provides a range of services to non-parent permanent caregivers. It
The programme offers a range of assistance packages tailored to individual needs, including:
This service is free for eligible caregivers who meet the definition of a 'permanent caregiver' under the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 1989.
Caregivers can access this service via Permanent Caregiver Support Services. Call 0800 FOR PCSS (0800 367 7277) or email enquiries@pcss.org.nz.
Te Poutama Ārahi Rangatahi is a Christchurch-based, comprehensive, integrated residential treatment programme for boys aged 12–16 with at-risk behaviour. The young people we work with are all referred to the service by Oranga Tamariki.
We provide their day-to-day care, education and therapeutic assistance on-site to help them
During the programme, we also provide a wide range of experiences designed to extend and challenge our young people. We
Our aim always is to help them return to their community in a safe and positive way. We involve their family and other support agencies throughout their time with us to ensure they can return to a safe, stable and supportive environment.
Our team comes from a range of professions. It includes managers, social workers and residential youth workers who work with families and whanau and a wide variety of community providers.
All referrals to this service are made through Oranga Tamariki.
Our women’s safety services work to build resilience and strength in women who have been victims of family violence.
Our services empower and support women to
The service is free for anyone referred by the Family Court or by Oranga Tamariki. Anyone referred by another agency can contact us about access to the service.
For more information or to enrol in this service, call 0800 227 627 or send us a message.
The service
Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) is a free service that places social workers in schools across to New Zealand to support the learning and development of children and families. Barnardos run the service in the Hutt Valley and in Southland.
Our SWiS workers have 3 main roles:
By providing early help and support, our social workers are able to work with children, families, whānau and schools to
SWiS is a voluntary service — teachers, principals and community members are welcome to refer any family or child but attendance is not required. SWiS workers are there to help any person involved in the school community when needed.
Availability
Hutt Valley
Southland
Who to contact
Hutt Valley
E: mary.mcdavitt@barnardos.org.nz
P: (04) 801 1707
Southland
E: southland.amu@barnardos.org.nz
P: (03) 214 7751