The Kapiti Safer Community Trust Family Support Services has two qualified social workers, Will Northcott and Linda Golding (pictured). Will has 16 years experience and is a registered social worker. Linda has a wealth of experience in various social service positions.
The Family Support social workers receive referrals from various services such as Kapiti Youth Services, school counsellors, school principals and directly from parents. With the age range for clients being five to 16 years old the nature of the issues referred varies greatly. The times where a parent might want to consider using the service would include when their child is unwilling to attend school, is exhibiting any type of concerning behaviour at school or at home, is saying they would like to talk to someone, is on another services waiting list, or when the parent is frustrated by an ongoing behaviour and would like to discuss strategies.
It is important to note that the family themselves identify the problem they wish to have assistance in dealing with. The nature of the assistance varies, but generally it begins with an assessment, with a view to identifying strengths within the family unit and the individuals in the family. The worker then works together with either the family, the parent/s or the young person/child, to develop a plan aimed at building upon these strengths, to enable the family or individual to better deal with the problem themselves. Other services are utilised when family and worker agree this would be appropriate. The service is a voluntary one, in that if at any time the family wish to discontinue then the case is closed.
Contact can be made directly visiting our office or phoning Will on 04 297 3127 or Linda on 04 297 3138 or email: fsskapiti@safercommunity.org.nz