The Canterbury Children’s Team is encouraging referrals from health professionals via the Vulnerable Children’s Hub (“The Hub”).
Through the Vulnerable Children Act (2014), the Government has made sweeping changes to how we protect vulnerable children so they can thrive, achieve and belong.
The Canterbury Children’s Team aligns with the vision of the Canterbury Health System to work together with other social services to improve outcomes for people. It was established with the support of the Child and Youth Workstream.
Canterbury Children’s Team Director, Peter Whitcombe says Children’s Teams support vulnerable children whose issues do not meet the statutory intervention threshold of Child, Youth and Family.
“Having the opportunity to intervene early is what the Children’s Teams are all about. Some vulnerable children require Child, Youth and Family support. But there are many vulnerable children and their families whose lives can be improved through individualised support before their circumstances worsen.”
“The Children’s Team works with existing resources but provides the opportunity for government agencies, iwi and non-government organisations to bring together their existing services for vulnerable children into one personalised plan for each child and their family and whānau.”
Through this new way of working, a Lead Professional brings together the key frontline workers from a range of agencies, iwi services, non-government organisations and the community involved in supporting and delivering services for a child and their family and whānau.
For more information about how and when to refer, visit HealthPathways or click the links below: