
Supporting Positive Futures for Tamariki of People Serving a Sentence
Children of people in prison are the most vulnerable in our community.
When a parent goes to prison, the children left behind have an uncertain future. As well as the possibility of less family resources or a change of school or caregiver, they must also learn to live with the stigma of being the child of a person in prison.
And none of this is the fault of the child.
Pillars works with these children and their families to help them all have lives which are positive and contribute to healthy and successful futures.
We do this through programmes which range across mentoring for the children and wrap around services for the families and whānau. We work in prisons and the community and have a team of well trained, experienced staff around the country.
We believe children of people in prison are children of promise and potential.
170000
children living with a parent in prison
320
years caring for the children of New Zealand
220000
hours of support by Pillars Volunteer Mentors each year
How can you help?
Pillars is a children’s charity any New Zealander can feel proud to support. By supporting our whānau to receive wrap around social work support, you are helping to break a cycle of intergeneration crime. By supporting Pillars, you are enabling our children to be paired with an askable, trusted adult and connecting them to the community.
Support our Mahi
How we can help you

Ways to give

Become a Mentor
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Pillars Gives Power to Rangatahi Voices with new Kaupapa
We are passionate about the lived experience, ideas, and expertise of our Pillars rangatahi.