Care & Therapy

The Care & Therapy programme is a residential therapeutic service designed to support young people aged 11–16 years, of all genders, who are facing significant emotional and behavioural challenges at home, school, or due to legal involvement. This programme offers specialised placements with one-on-one caregivers (whānau or non-kin) and group homes located in Auckland and Waikato regions.

About the Programme

Our Placements

We provide a variety of placement options tailored to meet the needs of each young person:

  1. Residential Homes:
    • Two boys’ residences, each accommodating up to three boys, run by a dedicated team of Residential Youth Workers.
  2. Whānau Caregiver Placements:
    • Approved whānau caregivers, other than biological parents, who undergo assessments to ensure suitability.
    • Whānau caregivers receive training, supervision, board payments, and support equivalent to non-kin caregivers.
      – For more information about becoming a whānau caregiver, click here.
  3. Non-Kin Caregiver Placements:
    • Specialised caregiver placements within the Auckland and Waikato regions.

Our Goal

Our primary goal is to reunite young people with their whānau, ensuring a stable, permanent placement supported by Oranga Tamariki.

How We Support Rangatahi and Whānau

  • Dedicated Clinical Case Worker – Every young person is assigned a Clinical Case Worker who oversees their care, well-being, and transition plan.
  • Individual Care Plan (ICP) Meetings & Reviews – Upon acceptance, we hold ICP meetings to develop a care plan, followed by monthly and quarterly reviews.

  • Family Therapy & Support – We provide fortnightly Family Therapy sessions to address whānau dynamics and behavioural challenges. Remote options are available for whānau outside Auckland and Waikato regions.
  • Whānau Connection & Respite Visits – We encourage regular contact with young people and their approved whānau members through phone calls and respite visits.
  • Post-Discharge Support – A three-month follow-up service provides continued guidance to the rangatahi and whānau, addressing any challenges that may arise after placement.

Programme Details

The Care & Therapy programme provides safe, supportive placements for young people in Auckland and Waikato, helping them and their whānau work toward long-term stability and reconnection.

Placement Duration

Our placements range from 3 to 12 months, depending on the progress of both the young person and their whānau toward agreed objectives. Each placement is carefully matched to the individual needs of the young person.

Who is eligible for the programme?

The Care & Therapy programme accepts referrals from across New Zealand. Designed as a Care and Protection initiative, the Care & Therapy programme supports young people subject to Care and Protection orders issued by the Family Court. These young people are receiving care under Sections 78, 101, 110, and 362 of the Oranga Tamariki Act, 1989.

Transitioning into the Care & Therapy Programme

Supporting rangatahi, their whānau, and social workers through every step.
At Reconnect Te Ope Pirita we work alongside Oranga Tamariki and other professionals to ensure a safe and supportive transition for young people into our Care & Therapy programme. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Pre-Consultation Case Interview – Before the process begins, we meet Oranga Tamariki and key professionals to discuss the young person’s needs and determine the best approach to their care and well-being.
  2. Interview with Young Person and Whānau – We hold a meeting with Reconnect Te Ope Pirita, Oranga Tamariki, the young perswon, and their whānau. This helps us to understand their circumstances, ensure we are the right organisation to provide support, and begin shaping a care plan.
  3. Placement Decision – Our Care & Therapy Clinical Team review possible placement matches and communicate a decision within two working days. If we think we are the right fit to help the young person and their whānau, a Clinical Case Worker will coordinate an Individual Care Plan (ICP) Meeting with all stakeholders.
  4. Individual Care Plan (ICP) Meeting – This meeting is a crucial step in the transition process, where the whānau, Oranga Tamariki, and other stakeholders come together to discuss the young person’s care plan, goals and transition strategy.
  5. Transition to Placement – Our priority is to ensure that the young person feels safe, supported, and prepared for their new environment. Transition steps may include:
    – Meet and greet with the caregiver.
    – Shared meals to build connection.
    – Gradual overnight stays, leading to full-time placement.
    We understand that transition can be a big step, our Care & Therapy team is here to guide, support and empower rangatahi every step of the way.

Referral Process (for Social Workers)

Referrals can be made by Oranga Tamariki Social Workers using the following steps:
1. Submit a Specialist Placement Hub referral.
2. Forward it to the National High Needs Team for assessment.
3. If suitable, the referral is sent to Reconnect for final evaluation.

Programme Contact or Further Information Details

CMO Contact for Care & Therapy (For caregivers and social workers):

Becoming a Whānau Caregiver

Find out more
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