Human Rights and the Treaty of Waitangi
CYFS and Ngāti Kahu
Purpose
Whānau ora is a generic concept and is about collective wellbeing that comes from taking a holistic approach to people’s lives. It is about the responsibility to look after one another and the right to make decisions that involve your family and their wellbeing.
Whānau ora is a priority for Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services (NKSHS) and Child Youth and Family (CYFS) and forms the basis of their relationship. They work with whānau in the Northland region to ensure families are in safe, loving and healthy homes.
CYFS has started a nationwide programme of “Differential Response” which was piloted out of the Clendon office in 2008. Differential Response aims to work more collaboratively with families and other organisations to identify and address issues faced by families.
Roles
NKSHS are an Iwi organisation that offers community social services in the Far North region. NKSHS work under the philosophy of Whānau Ora in that they are helping families take ownership of their own wellbeing. They offer kaupapa Māori services in welfare, education, rural housing and community mental health. NKSHS are involved with a range of engagements and relationships with agencies; this case study however focuses on their relationship with, CYFS Clendon office, Auckland.
As part of CYFS commitment to Tangata Whenua they look to build partnerships with Iwi and Māori social services groups and communities. CYFS understand the concepts of whānau ora and try to with in harmony with different organisations to cater to the needs of all families. CYFS “provide resources and support that best meet the needs of whānau”
What Happens
Differential response is made up of two parts, internal and external. The internal pathway is a “child and family assessment”. This is a facilitative approach to engaging with families to understand their needs. It is less intrusive than an investigation and helps the family determine what their next steps are.
The external pathway involves CYFS working closely with other organisations to put a coordinated response to a family’s needs. CYFS recognises that every whānau is unique so this response is about exploring options and inviting organisations to work with whānau to find out what the underlying issues are.
CFYS refers families to NKSHS via this ‘external pathway’. NKSHS are able to assist and explore with whānau community based support and services. As they are in the region they can also monitor and provide hands on service for the tamariki that are placed in the area.
Distance could be perceived as an issue but the parties meet regularly and a CYFS co-ordinator is assigned to all Differential Response referrals.
What is working well
This relationship displays good levels of trust. Neither partner in this relationship has concerns regarding the roles they play. Both agree they have well established and open lines of communication.
The Chief Executive Officer of NKSHS has praised the relationship, and has said: “As a Maori organisation, we are focused on the wellbeing of our whanau. The opportunity to form this in depth relationship with CYFS has given us the opportunity to share the safe and caring environment that can be lost in the urban areas. Open and honest communication helped us to achieve positive outcomes for all concerned”. NKSHS believe the relationship determines good practise and promotes a positive outcome for their community.
A CYFS case worker also has good things to say about the partnership, “NKSHS made the process really easy. The CEO was open to my working directly with her Social Workers to ensure a good transition for the children into their communities. As a CYFS Social Worker responsible for the children that I place, (and being so far away from the placement area), I needed to be sure that I could have ongoing communication with the appropriate staff from NKSHS, and through the CEO’s support – this is able to happen regularly.”
Mātauranga Māori is acknowledged and incorporated into practice. The CYFS office work practices allow for a Māori world view and they work with NKSHS, not only because of their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, but to provide the appropriate support for whānau. The overall goal for both organisations is whānau ora.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
This case study illustrates whānau making decisions about their own development to enjoy the highest possible standard of physical and mental heath.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states:
“Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures, as well as to maintain and develop their own indigenous decision- making institution.” Article 18
“Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. States shall take the necessary steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of this right.” Article 24.
Challenges
Differential Response is a new programme and both organisations are learning how to do things better.