Information, support and resources on child protection
ACC provides ACC-approved counsellors for children who have been sexually abused. ACC can help with some of the costs of counselling. You can find registered counsellors by region, including ACC-approved sexual abuse counsellors.
Barnardos provides child and whānau services in communities around Aotearoa New Zealand. Services vary from area to area but may include centre-based and home-based childcare and parenting programmes. Barnardos also runs children's supervised contact services.
Citizen's Advice Bureau provides free, confidential information and advice to anyone about any query or problem. You can contact your local CAB for details of local crisis counselling services, as these differ from centre to centre.
Child Matters is a trust dedicated to preventing harm to children in Aotearoa. Child Matters provides guidance, advice, education and support to those in a position to act to protect children. Their training and education programmes provide adults with essential skills and confidence to intervene when a child needs help.
The Family Justice System is designed to help people sort out family and whānau issues, where possible, without going to court. The Family Justice System includes the Family Court which makes decisions on a number of matters when people can't agree about caring for tamariki. Check out the Family Justice website for information about separation and divorce, children (guardianship etc), family violence and what legal protection you can get.
The Family Services Directory lists organisations in your area that can provide whānau with help and support.
This Ministry of Social Development website has information about family violence, what it is and where to get help. They also have an 0800 Family Violence Information Line (0800 456 450) which provides self-help information. It also connects people to services where appropriate. Visit their website if you need help for yourself or someone else.
I need help (advice and information to stop violence in your family)
I want change (communities have a significant role to play in preventing violence)
Family Works is the name for child and family services provided by the 7 Presbyterian Support organisations in New Zealand. They are based in 40 centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. Family Works delivers a full range of social work and counselling services in communities throughout Aotearoa.
NZAC is the professional organisation for counsellors in New Zealand. NZAC offers ACC-approved counsellors. If the correct procedures are followed, costs are met by ACC. You can check whether a counsellor is a member of NZAC by asking the individual counsellor or by contacting NZAC. If your child has been the victim of abuse, they should only see an approved counsellor who has experience in this area.
Family violence is a crime. It is not a private matter. People in violent relationships often cannot help themselves. They need your help.
Always call 111 within New Zealand in an emergency (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries). For non-emergencies, contact your local police station or you can report crimes anonymously to Crimestoppers, free phone 0800 555 111.
See the New Zealand Police website to find out how to get help for family violence and learn about Protection Orders and Police Safety Orders.
The Office of the Children's Commissioner is an independent authority promoting the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi through advocacy, consultation, monitoring, research and investigation.
The Open Home Foundation provides a range of services for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. These services can include: social work services for families referred by Oranga Tamariki, respite for tamariki and rangatahi with a disability, care services when it's necessary for tamariki and rangatahi to leave the care of their parents and intensive wrap-around support and parent mentoring services.
If you are worried about a whānau you know and would like some advice, give Oranga Tamariki a call on 0508 326 459. They're there to help. Their social workers will be able to listen to your worries, and they are trained to be able to help find solutions to family problems.
Parent Help has a free helpline staffed by skilled and committed volunteers who offer their time, experience and knowledge to respond to the wide range of issues that parents face in today's environment. The free national helpline is available 9am to 9pm on 0800 568 856.
Parentline offers individual and group counselling, therapy and social work services to children up to 13 years of age who have been traumatised by abuse and domestic violence. Parenting programmes are also available for the parents of children being seen at Parentline, as are opportunities for whānau therapy to strengthen the whānau unit.
SAFE offers specialist treatment services to those with harmful sexual behaviour, and their whānau. SAFE's goal is to have a safe community for our tamariki – they work not only to stop individuals' harmful sexual behaviour but ultimately to keep future generations safe too.
Safeguarding children provides training and support in safeguarding and child protection education in New Zealand. They deliver educational programmes through online e-learning courses as well as in-house seminars and workshops.
The Salvation Army helps people in need through a wide range of community programmes including food parcels, budgeting, housing support, life skills and addiction services. For the full range of assistance the Salvation Army offers, see the drop-down menu 'Get Help' on their website.
Shine provides a range of services, including a comprehensive website on family violence. Although the organisation is Auckland-based, the information on the website is nationally relevant. The organisation provides a free national helpline on 0508 744 633.
Victim Support provides 24-hour emotional support, personal advocacy and information to all people affected by crime and trauma throughout Aotearoa. Call free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 842 846.
Victims Information is the New Zealand Government website for people affected by crime. If you or your whānau have been affected by crime, you can get support as well as information to help you understand the legal process. Call the free Victims Information Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 650 654.
What's Up is a free national telephone counselling helpline for New Zealand tamariki and rangatahi. It's free to call from a mobile phone. What's Up counsellors are available 365 days a year, including public holidays, from 11am to 11pm on 0800 942 8787.
You can also chat online with one of their counsellors. Their online chat service is open 11am to 10.30pm. What's Up counsellors are carefully selected and trained, and are paid professionals rather than volunteers. What's Up aims to provide early help to tamariki and teach them skills that will help prevent the development of major problems later in their lives.
Women's Refuge is a women's organisation for women and their children, to help prevent and stop family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. It provides support and information when you are dealing with violence in your life. Support includes a free crisis line on 0800 733 843, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is also 24-hour access to a safe house, as well as a range of other help and support.
The Youth Court deals with young people aged 14 to 17 years old. See the Youth Court website for an introduction to the Youth Court, and information about what to expect before and during youth court.
Youthlaw is a law agency set up just for young people. They have a huge range of brochures and booklets on most things that involve young people and the law. Check out their website if you need some legal advice, or want to know your rights in a particular situation. They are friendly and helpful and their information is free to young people.
Youthline was established to ensure young people know where to get help and can access support when they need it. They have a free telephone counselling service for young people. Youthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 376 633. You can also text Youthline free on 234 or chat with a counsellor online.
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
