Relationships Aotearoa "ahead of the game"

“While Relationships Aotearoa continues talks with Ministry officials today (May 21), it is worth considering what the community might lose”, says Dr Jane Allison, Interim Chair of Relationships Aotearoa (RA).

“RA is into year 2 of a 3 year strategy which aligns to government goals focussed on vulnerable children, families and whanau and breaking the cycle of family violence.

“Other Non Government Organisations (NGOs) are trying to catch up, but all are struggling with old style contracts that don’t focus on client outcomes.
“Performance information shared amongst officials and NGOs shows RA clinicians spend upwards of 60% of their time with clients compared to Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) who achieve less than 30% of face to face time with clients.

“Other NGOs can’t match the investment in systems and clinical practice RA has achieved to date. In fact Minister Tolley acknowledged that RA is “ahead of the game””, says Dr Allison.

“Furthermore, we have also learnt that Ministry officials were working under the assumption that RA was closing, and no service continuity for clients was planned”, she says.

“We know RA staff continue to work hard and are maintaining their professionalism under highly stressful and uncertain conditions.

“We hope to have an answer for clients, staff and all those who have supported us soon”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media