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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• • Information booklet for professionals (applies to all services)
  • Information brochure 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 and up until 2012:

• 
  
  • 71% of referrals from the health sector.
  • 17% of referrals from child youth and family
  • 12% from community agencies and other sources