Barnardos is welcoming the Prime Ministerโs announcement that frontline family violence services will get a significant funding boost in this yearโs Budget.
Jeff Sanders, Chief Executive, says that โAs a family violence service provider, Barnardos works directly with tamariki and whฤnau experiencing the immediate and aftermath impacts of family violence. We see family violence is a problem throughout Aotearoa, detrimentally affecting tamariki and whฤnau from all walks of life.โ
โThis funding boost is significant, urgently needed and will make a real difference. We know that for tamariki and whฤnau to effectively rebuild their lives after family violence and to go on to thrive, access to timely and expert support services is essential. This announcement is a positive first stepโ, Mr. Sanders says.
Barnardos provides a range of family violence support services for tamariki and whฤnau. These include Barnardosโ Childrenโs Safety Programme and Footsteps to Feeling Safe, for tamariki who have witnessed or experienced family violence. Through the Programme, children develop a safety plan to help them stay safe, and are supported to make sense of their experience and develop a sense of hope for the future. Children are supported to build their confidence, and to know how and where to get help if it is needed.
Mr. Sanders says that family violence is a problem Barnardos is committed to helping prevent, and that alongside putting children at the heart of its work, Barnardos takes a holistic view, working with parents too.
โWe actively support parents, families and whฤnau to understand the negative influence and effects of family violence, and how they can build a family environment that is violence free, so tamariki and the whole family can thrive.
Feedback from participants in our family violence services shows that Barnardos programmes make a real and positive difference for tamariki and whฤnau.
โAs well as receiving referrals for family violence services from Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice, a significant proportion of Barnardosโ work supporting those who have experienced family violence comes through non-formal referral channels, reflecting the widespread nature of family violence.
โGiven that family violence is a pervasive problem facing many of the families we work with, we know we need to constantly strengthen the services we provide, so tamariki and whฤnau are well-supported. We also know that the impacts of family violence can be life-long, and that family violence is a stressor which is rarely experienced in isolation. So, we welcome funding and support from Government that recognises this reality,โ says Mr Sanders.