This evaluation aims to determine the effectiveness of the Wrap-around Service delivered by Te Whakaruruhau. The focus is on improving the health and wellbeing of whānau. The evaluation sought to answer three main questions.
• What are the features of their environment which undermine the health and wellbeing of whānau?
• How do Te Whakaruruhau kaimahi work with whānau to address these features of the environment?
• How has the development of the Wrap-around Service contributed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of whānau?
Data and information for this evaluation was gathered from in-person interviews with women and whānau accessing the Wrap-around Service; an internal scan of communications; case files, background history, and staff notes; attendance at Te Whakaruruhau team meetings; and informal conversations with Te Whakaruruhau staff. Our findings are grouped around 3 core themes: housing, system navigation, and restoration of self-worth.
Housing is a core priority. Whānau need housing that is suitable for intergenerational living, that is warm, dry and affordable as well as safe and secure. These are key priorities for whānau. When whānau have safe, secure and affordable housing, this contributed to stability and to improved health outcomes for women and their whānau.
System navigation: In the wider social service environment there is an absence of holistic services. This requires Te Whakaruruhau kaimahi to spend many hours navigating, advocating, and lobbying on behalf of their clients. There is a need to fund flax roots organisations such as Te Whakaruruhau to directly provide whānau with the relevant services and resources they need in a timely manner. These were essential to health and well-being. Such services need to be wrap-around, holistic and whānau-centred.
Restoration of self-worth: Crown agencies and other service providers often fail to engage with whānau in a mana-enhancing manner. Experiences of being treated dismissively, a lack or follow up, or of stressed and busy staff meant that women were hesitant to engage with unknown service providers. The lack of a welcoming environment has created a barrier to engaging with health services. The support of Te Whakaruruhau staff was instrumental in restoring a sense of self and of self-worth in the aftermath of family violence.