Government to cut millions in funding for Family Start programme - union

Family Start is a programme that assists parents and caregivers, and attempts to improve a child's health. The PSA union says funding cuts will result in job losses. Illustration / Paul Slater

The Public Service Association is slamming cuts to support the Family Start programme, as children’s ministry Oranga Tamariki faces budget reductions and an era of restraint takes shape across the public sector.

Family Start, as detailed by Oranga Tamariki, is an “intensive home visiting programme” that aims to assist children’s health, growth and learning environment. Programme workers start by visiting families weekly, assessing the situation and making goals for safety and wellbeing.

The PSA, which represents unionised public servants and social workers, said it was part of a briefing that confirmed funding to Family Start would be reduced by 25%.

The union suggests the cuts would see 107 social workers gone, potentially alongside another 63 workers.

PSA national sector leader Josh Gardner slammed the move as an “attack on children”.

“Visiting people in their own homes is key to the success of this programme. Home visits establish relationships with parents, build trust and ensure the right parenting support is available.”

Gardner said the PSA would be opposing the decision.

Family Start is funded by Oranga Tamariki and has previously been managed and governed by a number of public sector agencies. NGOs, including cultural groups, are contracted out to conduct the programme’s work.

A report conducted in 2021 by Oranga Tamariki stated in the first year of life, participation in the Family Start programme was estimated to have reduced overall post-neonatal mortality by 42%.

It also found participants in the scheme were more likely to have interactions with Oranga Tamariki, and those within the programme were more likely to be hospitalised for injuries related to maltreatment.

“Again, while these may be perceived as concerning findings (as they indicate deterioration in child/whānau circumstances), they may reflect the programme’s success in identifying and addressing family violence, alcohol and drug misuse, and child health and safety issues,” the report stated.

The merits of Family Start, as outlined in the 2021 report, suggest the programme increased enrolment in health practices and boosted immunisation rates.

In a statement to the Herald, Oranga Tamariki Deputy Chief Executive, Enabling Communities and Investment Darrin Haimona said he understands how hard it is for the affected organisations.

“There are contracts that will expire and not be renewed, some we have decided to reduce and others that will be increased,” Haimona said.

“These decisions were made in line with our priorities and the need to provide children in our care with the services they need the most.

“For services that will be discontinued, provision has been made to support partners and providers to wind down the service and safely transition tamariki, rangatahi or whānau receiving the service to another service.”

The news comes after revelations Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki spent more than $800,000 on contractors and consultants in relation to its job-cutting plans.

Azaria Howell is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022 and has a keen interest in city council decisions, public service agency reform and transport.