Core Social Work Programme
We walk alongside tamariki and whānau who have a family member in prison or serving a community sentence. Our wraparound support weaves together advocacy, tools, education and guidance (in areas including housing, food security, assistance with WINZ and other community services).
Pillars Social Workers provide an evidence-based and specialised response service, walking alongside tangata whaiora who have been impacted by a family member’s involvement with Ara Poutama (the Department of Corrections).
Whānau are at the centre of the process. We listen to your voice, honour your experiences, and help you and your whānau achieve your goals.
Our services are free, voluntary, and non-judgmental for tamariki and whānau; anyone can refer to access wraparound support.
Criteria
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Anyone who is the primary caregiver for a child or young person 0-18 years with a family member involved with Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections).
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The whānau member could be in prison, or on remand awaiting trial, or sentenced, released from prison, or serving a community sentence.
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The tangata whaiora and /or whānau lives within a restricted radius of Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch) offices.
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If you do not meet the requirements please see the Family Services Directory to access the right support for you and your whānau.
Referrals
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Referrals can be made directly or indirectly. This means people can refer themselves or be referred by a service they have or are engaged with.
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Referrers should ensure the person in prison is informed when making a referral to Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou. This will however not delay the Pillars Social Worker from contacting the family.
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Referrals will be triaged by a Pillars Social Worker/s and/or manager and assessed to ensure the tangata whaiora and/or whānau member meet our criteria and threshold.
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Pillars Social Worker may refer to an external service with the consent of the family if they do not meet our criteria and threshold.
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We accept referrals from Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development, Health practitioners, teachers, and any other social work services.
Need Support?
Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch)
