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Family Start - Family Works

Family Start

FW Family Start iStock 1394055478

Giving babies the best start to life

We’re here to help you give your child the very best start in life. Waitematā Family Start is a free home visiting service focused on supporting parents who are facing challenges, to give their child/ren the best start in life. We can be there for you from when mum is three months pregnant right through the first five years of your child’s life.

We will work with you to help you:

  • meet your baby’s growing and changing needs
  • form a strong bond with your child
  • find the right healthcare
  • keep your baby/child safe
  • learn more about parenting
  • get in touch with other services you may need

Download our brochure

Where to start?

You can be referred to Family Start by your doctor, midwife, Plunket nurse, Well Child provider or other agency. Click here to access the referral form.

Families can be referred from when the mother is 3 months pregnant until the baby is 12 months old. In exceptional circumstances, a child may be accepted into the program under the age of 2 and families can receive support until the child is three years old, with some support continuing to age five where needed.  

Contact Family Start on 09 835 1288 or email admin.waitakere@fwn.org.nz

Working together

Waitemata Family Start is jointly provided by The Fono (West) and Family Works Northern. We are committed to working together to make Aotearoa the best place to raise children.

“It’s helpful to know I’m not the only one learning how to raise kids properly.”

Referral Form

Consent from Family for Referral:
Would you like to discuss this referral with the allocated Family worker?
Any worker safety alerts?

Section A sets out the main criteria for Family Start. Families need to experience challenges in one of these areas to be eligible for the Family Start service.

Mental Health Issues:

Either parent/caregiver has a mental health problem:

Difficulty with drugs, alcohol and/or gambling:

Either parent/caregiver has a problem with one of the following which affects parenting ability:

Childhood history of abuse:

Care or Protection History:

Relationship Problems:

Evidence of significant relationship problems including:

Child Health and Developmental Issues:

One or more of the following apply:

Young Parent with Additional Challenges or Needs:

Section B sets out other areas where families may have challenges. A referral that only meets one indicator from Section B would not be adequate for referral.

Lacks Positive Support Networks:

Financial and Material Resources:

One or more of the following apply:

Frequent change of address:

Low Parent Education:

One or more of the following applies to parents/caregivers:

SUDI Factors:

One or more of the following apply:

Criminal Justice Involvement:

One or more of the following apply: