The New Start programme

New Start is a programme for repeat offenders parenting a child under the age of 6 months, or pregnant.

Acceptance criteria

New Start accepts clients with the following criteria:

A parent with at least one criminal conviction within the previous 2 years.
Currently parenting a child (or children) under the age of 6 months, or is pregnant (post 24 weeks).
If the offending parent is in prison, he/she is within 4 months of release.
Living in the Christchurch district.
Willing to work with a Social Worker in their own home.
Willing to make a commitment to their children and to creating a safe home environment for them.

Referral Packages

Referrals to New Start services are accepted from all government sectors and community-based agencies.

These documents are available for download and printing. All are in PDF format.

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To download a document, simply click on its name. When download is complete, return to this page by closing the document window.

Brochure for professionals (applies to New Start & Safer Families)
Information booklet for professionals (applies to New Start & Safer Families)
Information brochure for clients
New Start referral form
New Start referral letter
Risk factors and guidelines

Over the years 2001-2002, referrals have come from:

Corrections Department and prison - 28%
Child, Youth and Family Service - 10%
Health sector - 34%
Community agencies - 28%

A high proportion of clients presented with severe substance addictions, family violence problems and histories of children removed by CYFS.