About Family Works

Our child-centred, family-focused approach makes safety the number one priority. However, we also focus on working alongside parents, helping them transform their own lives so that they can keep their children safe and be positive role models for their children.

Client families are usually referred to us by other agencies such as Child, Youth and Family or by Health Services. Families may also contact us directly.

A social worker will meet with the family/ whānau, and assess the risk to children and youth, and also the family strengths. We will identify social, economic, health and education issues that need to be addressed. We take into account the needs of each family member, and put a plan into place that will ensure the most positive outcome for all involved. The social worker will focus and build on the family’s strengths to provide practical and emotional support.

Most importantly, we put immediate measures in place that will keep children and other vulnerable family members safe and free from harm, neglect and abuse.

Our team of social workers and counsellors are professionally qualified to deal with many different complex issues involving family/ whānau members.

We are here to offer support and intervention during periods of difficulty, especially if family violence is occurring. We are not only committed to reducing abuse and neglect of children, but to seeing the families on the East Coast flourish and become independent.

Our Hawke's Bay Services

• Social Work services – provides support to ensure vulnerable children and family members are safe
• Whakamana Whānau – a family violence prevention programme that works with both victims and perpetrators of violence in the home
• Counselling services – support which addresses a range of issues and is available to all members of the family/whanau
• Social Workers in Schools (SWIS) – a school-based social work service in decile 1-3 schools in Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay
• Incredible Years Parenting Programme – a programme designed for parents of children aged 3-8 years
• Building Awesome Whanau and Tweens & Teens Parenting Programmes
• School based children's programmes
• Konohi ki te konohi - family violence group programme 
• Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) – a home-based school preparation programme for children aged 3-5 years

Our Gisborne Services

• Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) – a home-based school preparation programme for children aged 3-5 years
• Incredible Years Parenting Programme – a programme designed for parents of children aged 3-8 years
• Social Work services – provides support to ensure children and vulnerable family members are safe
• Counselling services – support which addresses a range of issues and is available to all members of the family/whanau
• Tauawhi Men’s Centre – a drop-in centre for men, offering social work, non-violence programmes, counselling and advocacy support.  Learn more about Tauawhi Men's Centre

Contact Us

Family Works Hawke’s Bay

Heretaunga House, Corner Lyndon Road & Warren Street

PO Box 69, Hastings 4156

06 876 2156

adminFWhastings@psec.org.nz

Family Works Gisborne

141 Bright Street, Corner of Bright Street & Childers Road

PO Box 904, Gisborne 4040

06 868 1399

adminFWgisborne@psec.org.nz