This service provides education, support and fun activities for children and young people, as well as support to parents.
Please complete our referral form printable version that can be completed offline and emailed to crfssreferrals@stepstone.org.nz
Access to this service is via referral from CDHB Specialist Mental Health Services, or via referral from any agency working with the family.
Please download our Caroline Reid Pamphlet.
Who are we?
We’re a passionate and dedicated team supporting children, aged 7 – 16 years (and their families) where a parent is affected by mental illness. We aim to develop a trusting relationship by providing a range of services so we can respond to the needs of each child engaged with our service. Our team of professional staff come from a range of backgrounds including Education, Social Work, and Psychology.
What’s our mission?
- To work together in building consistent, stable and trusting relationships with the children and families utilising our service
- To provide positive and diverse experiences for children and their families affected by mental illness.
- To ensure children and families have good support
- To educate children and family members regarding mental illness.
Key aims and services
- Peer support for children
- Regular recreation programmes for children
- Annual camps for children
- Information, books and visits to assist children in their understanding of mental illness and life issues
- Support for parents and other family members, including home visits and phone calls
- Liaison with other agencies
- Parent support group
- Advocacy for children and adults
- CUMI (Children Understanding Mental Illness) course.
Short Term Service
A 3-month intervention that focusses on supporting the family with care planning, education, liaising with other services, and the children attending the CUMI (Children Understanding Mental Illness) course.
Long Term Service
This is offered to families with children from age 7, the family can remain with the service until the child turns 16. The long term service includes:
- For Children and Young People: Weekend recreational programmes held monthly, an annual camp, individual visits with the children’s workers, CUMI course.
- For the Parents: One to one support for the parent(s). The Family Support Worker visits the parents monthly and works toward a planned intervention of support for the parent around maximising their mental health and wellbeing.