Growing demands for Family Service Centre programmes

November 3rd, 2011

There has been an increase in demand for budget advice and family support services offered by the Motueka Family Service Centre over the past year, bringing with it increased pressure on the organisation's capacity to respond.

This summary of the work of the organisation, presented at its recent AGM by chairperson Peter Norman, emphasised the important work done by MFSC especially during times of raised economic and social pressure.

MFSC shares a building behind Parklands School with the Motu Weka Neighbourhood Centre, but this may change as Motu Weka may be moving in the next 18-24 months. MFSC's board has decided to engage a Project Manager to draw up a concept plan that will help alleviate some of the current space constraints.

Peter said that the workload for the Family Service Centre management has continued to increase. "Increased demand for some services, additional services, cuts in funding, changes to funding criteria, a raft of compliance issues and a move to results-based accountability have all contributed to this increase."

He said continued uncertainty around the level of government funding may require the exploration of other potential sources of funding. However, the board has recommended that MFSC should not apply for funding from gaming machine proceeds. "Therefore, innovative and creative initiatives may be required if quality service provision is to be maintained in an environment where the need for support is increasing," Peter said.

MFSC strives to work collaboratively within the community in order to be effective in its work. Centre workers liaise regularly with many organisations in the community and this year has seen further development of connections with others.

The organisation participated in establishing the Motueka Work and Income office as a Community Link Centre during the year, and three MFSC staff are taking turns to be present one afternoon a week to provide a face to face contact for people and to assist access to MFSC services.

"The Community Link is proving useful for liaison with other agencies and Work and Income staff," said service manager Liz McPherson.

"The Family Support Service has worked with fewer families over the last 12 months in order to provide an appropriate level of service to the families who enter the service." She said there has been an increase in the complexity of family situations over the year and they have noted:

the frequency of contact and length of time working with families has increased
more liaison with other family members and agencies involved with the family
use and involvement of Strengthening Families process is increasing
there has been an increase in the number of applications by family/whanau workers for funding assistance
increase in referrals from CYFS and police

During the year Tara Forde (Community Board) and Rima Piggott (Te Awhina Marae) resigned from the MFSC board and new appointees have not yet been found. The board is also seeking representation from the local health sector.

Download the 2011 annual reports of the chairperson and service centre managers here »

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