The Safer Families programme

Safer Families is a programme for high-risk pregnant women with multiple-risk histories.

Acceptance criteria

Safer Families accepts clients with the following criteria:

Pregnant, post 24 weeks.
Be considered by maternity providers, health or welfare professionals to be at high risk of having a detrimental environment. Examples include: young maternal age, substance addictions, family violence, and previous involvement with CYF Service.
Living in Christchurch.
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 Safer Families can be made by any maternity provider, other hospital-based professionals or any other professional working with pregnant women. Postnatal referrals are sometimes accepted.

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
Safer Families referral form
Safer Families referral letter
Risk factors and guidelines

Since establishment in July 2001:

Two-thirds of the caseload has been referred ante-natally.
90% of referrals from the health sector.
20% of those referrals were from the Methadone Service.
10% from community agencies.