0800 Parenting and Child Abuse Prevention Helpline

The coronial inquiry into the death of Moko Rangitoheriri has once again highlighted New Zealand’s distressing child abuse statistics and reinforced the view that “asking for help is fraught”, said Dale Powles, Manager of Parent Help – a helpline service available for anyone concerned for the safety of a child or children.

Coroner Wallace Bain has referred to the recommendations he made following the death of Nia Glasse in 2011 when he suggested that there be an 0800 number which people could call for concerns about child abuse.

Parent Help has, since 1989, provided this service as part of a wider network of family violence and child abuse prevention agencies throughout New Zealand. Originally available only in the Wellington region, the Parent Helpline - 0800 568 856 - became available nationally in 2014.

“In our experience over the past 28 years, one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of child abuse is providing integrated support to stressed parents, including phone counselling, family therapy and parenting programmes”, Powles said.

‘The Helpline is available to anyone with concerns about a child” said Powles. “We regularly respond to family members concerned about a child and wondering what steps they should take, as well as from early childhood centres, teachers, GP’s and others.

Powles added that Parent Help is able to refer families for support to appropriate agencies in their area , or to the local Children’s Teams through the HUB Centre and to Oranga Tamariki.

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