Whanau Advocates

Whanau advocates come from a mix of professional backgrounds including social work, counselling, early childhood education and nursing.  The ethnicity of staff is made up of Maori, Pakeha, Indian, Chinese, English and Pacific nations; Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue. Where possible the ethnicity of the referral will be matched to the ethnicity of the Whanau Advocate.
 

Home Visits

Our team of Whanau Advocates home visit and complete a comprehensive assessment with the family around their concerns and strengths. From here family goals are set.

The referral form outlines 13 criteria and any one or more criteria identified by the referrer allows the family the opportunity to participate in the Family Start programme. Along with the criteria the mother can be referred when she is pregnant and the child is up to 12 months of age. Family Start Manukau is committed to using the Strength Based Approach model. Goals and plans are based on what the family identifies as important rather than what the Whanau Advocate identifies.

Family Start Manukau helps support families in developing and implementing their individual family plan, ensuring the child is given the best possible start to life. All family referrals received are advised in a follow up letter as to the outcome of the family assessment and the consent process.