The Family Start programme focuses on achieving outcomes for children through strengthening their families to be self sufficient. Family Start Manukau recognises the needs of children in that process and works to address barriers that hold families back.

The programme is a free, confidential, intensive home based support service and participation is voluntary.  Family Start Manukau is able to work with those families referred for up to five years. 

The Family Start programme is funded through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), and funded through MSD and the Ministry of Education (MOE). 

Who is the Family Start Programme for?

• Mothers who are pregnant.
• Families with a new born or child under 12 months.

Who also

• Live within the Manukau boundary.*
• Meet the referral criteria and assessment.
• Who are affected by disadvantage.

Our service

• A FREE confidential, home based support service.
• We promote positive parent-child attachment.
• We support families to set and meet their goals and plans.
• We work at the pace of the family.
• We encourage immunisations, Well Child checks and dental registration.
• The programme includes the Ahuru Mowai/Born to Learn Early Childhood development programme.
• We  help families access existing services in the community.
• We work collaboratively with other services where we identify expertise that will add benefit to the family.