What is a partnered response
A partnered response involves a community service provider working with family/whānau and their tamaiti. It's a less formal way to provide an early, comprehensive and coordinated response.
It's an appropriate intervention when:
- family/whānau circumstances may be impacting on te tamaiti but don't present danger or harm — for example, a parent may need support with housing, finances, health, education, providing positive behaviour support and meeting disability-related needs
- the family/whānau are willing to engage with or already have a relationship with a service provider
- a level of local expertise and engagement may be needed to initiate or strengthen service provision
- there is no current Oranga Tamariki involvement.
When to use a partnered response
A partnered response can be recommended after a child and family assessment where the practitioner does not form a belief that te tamaiti is in need of care or protection, but they are concerned that there are risks or needs relating to the wellbeing of te tamaiti that need a response.
Who does it
Referrals for a partnered response are managed at sites by a senior practitioner or a differential response coordinator dedicated to the role of linking families/whānau with the community services they need.
The differential response coordinator and service provider keep in regular contact to monitor the family/whānau progress and consider any other services or support that they might need.
How to do it
1 Talk to the family/whānau about the partnered response option
They must consent to a referral to a partnered response. If they don't consent, continue to explore alternatives with them.
2 Make a referral to a community service provider
The referral information includes:
- family/whānau details
- the family/whānau situation
- identified care or protection concerns (below the statutory threshold)
- the most appropriate type of service for addressing those needs
- the view of the situation by the family/whānau
- family/whānau strengths that will contribute to achieving outcomes
- a brief summary of relevant family/whānau history
- whether any other service providers are involved with the family/whānau.
3 Make sure te tamaiti and their family/whānau are getting the help they need
Work with the provider to make sure te tamaiti and their family/whānau are getting the help they need and to consider any other services or support that they might need.
4 Review any escalating concerns
Review escalating concerns, if any, at the site pathways meeting.
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