Services for Youth, Children and Families
A range of Social Services are provided for children, young people, individuals and families. These services are aimed at supporting and strengthening families. Programmes to cater for a variety of needs are delivered by professionally trained staff.
For Further Information about Services for Youth, Children and Families - click here
Services are as follows:
- Family Works
- Alternative Care
- The Buddy Programme
- Parent / Caregiver Education Programme
- Programmes for Children who have been exposed to Domestic Violence
- Counselling
- Social Work in Schools
Family Works
Presbyterian Support South Canterbury's Family Works service offers families/whanau and individuals support and opportunities for change. Our strengths-based services are available throughout the South Canterbury region.
We pride ourselves on our special character, believing in the value and uniqueness of each individual/family who chooses to come to us. We offer a partnership and will be guided by our clients. We will encourage them to recognise their strengths and help them meet their needs. This will be done with respect and dignity in a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment where people may choose from a variety of services and programmes.
Our key service is offering family-focused packages of support to individual families. This may involve one or more Family Works workers meeting with the family group, helping families identify their concerns and planning with them ways to manage their issues and build on their strengths. We will continue to work with the family as a group, and with individual members, to support them as they address their issues. Progress is reviewed regularly and new goals set if needed, until the family feels they have had their needs met. Other agencies may also be involved.
Some of the ways families may be assisted in this are described in the following Family Care programmes:
Alternative Care
Alternative care is the care of a child or young person by another family for a planned period of time, when the child's own family is under stress or experiencing difficulty.
Alternative Care is temporary and is part of an overall plan to help a family resolve a difficult situation. This care may be for a night, weekends, several days, weeks or even months. Referrals are accepted from Health, Education and Social Service Agencies, as well as from parents.
Our Caregivers are kind and responsible people, with training and experience in caring for children. Our aim is to work in partnership with the child, her or his family, and the Caregivers, to ensure that the child is nurtured in a safe and caring environment.
The Buddy Programme
The Buddy Programme is an innovative programme, which provides support and guidance for children (aged 4 - 12 years), through friendship with a trained adult Buddy.
Our aim is to present the child with an opportunity to gain:
- Friendship
- Support
- Guidance
- Increase self-esteem
- Happy memories
The Buddy Programme needs Adult Buddies
An opportunity to build a friendship that really counts. Can you commit to a voluntary two hours a week of your life to a child?
A co-ordinator is available to talk to groups about the programme.
Telephone Matt (03) 688 5029 or email Matt or Reception
Download buddy brochure here (PDF 1.13mb)
Parent / Caregiver Education Programme
The Parent / Caregiver Education Programme has been developed to give parents and caregivers a detailed understanding of what is required to rear children and young adults in a loving and predictable way.
The course is delivered by trained facilitators over a period of eight 2 1/2 hour sessions at weekly intervals. Each week covers a particular topic that includes a focus on practical application of behavioural management strategies. There are eight modules, which include the following:
- Human Development - Setting the Scene
- Child Development - Ages & Stages
- Styles of Communication - Helpful/Unhelpful
- Parenting Styles and Their Impact
- Rules, Boundaries, Limits & Disciplines
- Sexuality, Individual Values
- The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
To download our Parenting brochure click here (pdf 198kb)
We also have a course for Parenting Teenages. There are six modules, which include the following:
- Human Development - setting the scene
- Teenage Development
- Styles of Communication - helpful/unhelpful
- Parenting Syles and Their Impact
- The Parent in Charge
- Keep Teens Safe From Sexual Harm
To download our Parenting Teens brochure click here (PDF 285kb)
To check our latest programme dates for Parenting Teenages/Parenting Programme and the Gain Programme - Phone Family Works.
Programmes for Children who have been exposed to Domestic Violence
The Afterwards programme is a specially designed programme to assist children who have been exposed to domestic violence, to work through issues they may have experienced or still be experiencing. Referrals are usually made through the Family Court if there is a protection order in place. If not, self referrals or from other agencies can also be made. There is no charge for this programme.
Counselling
Quality and experienced Counsellors (who are all members of NZ Association of Counsellors) provide a counselling service for children, young people, adults and families to assist them to work through issues, which may be troubling them. Referrals may be made through health education or community agencies or people may self refer.
Social Work in Schools
A qualified Social Worker provides social work services in three schools; Bluestone, Grantlea Downs, Oceanview Heights and Timaru South (including Pareora East campus). Teachers, parents and others may refer children attending these schools to the Social Worker. Children are welcome to self refer if they wish. The Social Worker works with the child and the child's family to assist the child to resolve social issues, which may be hindering learning at school.
