A new service for at-risk children will be launched in Horowhenua tomorrow.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said the launch of the Levin-Otaki team, known locally as Tamariki te Tuatahi (Children First), would mean a co-ordinated group would provide comprehensive services for at-risk children, "to keep them safe from harm so they can thrive, achieve and belong".
Tamariki te Tuatahi would have access to more than 25 professionals from core government agencies, iwi, NGOs and community organisations, who would be available to work with the region's families, Ms Bennett said.
It will be the third of 10 such teams.
Prototype children's teams have already been established in Rotorua and Whangarei.
The rest - in Marlborough, South Auckland, Hamilton, Gisborne, Whanganui, Christchurch and Whakatane - should be rolled out by June next year.
The teams are the result of the Children's Action Plan, which followed a White Paper for Vulnerable Children released in October 2012.