Working alongside whānau
Everyone working in health supports whānau wellbeing and ensures that whānau, including children, have access to information, education, and support options.
Expected outcome
Whānau receive support to achieve their health and wellbeing goals, as determined by them.
Essential | Enhanced | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
Whānau engagement | ||
Respectfully engages with whoever people recognise as their whānau Invites and supports tāngata whai ora to involve whānau when accessing services Recognises the range of different roles, responsibilities, and relationships within whānau Respectfully seeks to learn from whānau, understanding that every whānau will express their culture in their own way Demonstrates understanding that, in many cultures, a person’s sense of identity is embedded in and connected to whānau Demonstrates understanding of the role of whānau at different life stages (pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, adulthood, and older age)
| Models effective whānau inclusion and engagement Respectfully navigates consent requirements when working alongside whānau Integrates an understanding that Māori identity is embedded in and connected to whānau, hapu, and iwi, accounting for the uniqueness of each whānau Tailors practices to account for culture, gender identity, disability, and life stage | Enables service and programme systems that include and support whānau Ensures services respond to the strengths and needs of whānau Enables navigation of complex consent requirements that can arise in relation to whānau engagement and inclusion Ensures a whānau-friendly environment that is welcoming and has space for whānau, including children Promotes and enables advisory, management, and governance structures that foster inclusion of whānau perspectives in service or programme development |
Self-determination and kotahitanga | ||
Works alongside whānau in a way that they are heard, informed, involved, valued, and supported Shares relevant information with whānau while respecting confidentiality and privacy rights of tāngata whai ora Works to understand whānau perspectives and whānau relationships Takes an approach that is culturally responsive to whānau Provides support to whānau or links them to appropriate support, including cultural support Conveys hope that whānau can employ their knowledge and strengths to enhance whānau wellbeing
| Explains to whānau their choices and options for involvement alongside their whānau member, and options for support in their own right Works alongside whānau in the spirit of kotahitanga, valuing their strengths and expertise Ensures whānau have access to relevant information, education, and resources about wellbeing, addiction, and mental health Facilitates whānau inclusion in wellbeing plans of tāngata whai ora (with consent) Facilitates whānau meetings that build support and understanding between whānau members Provides support or therapy to whānau, or refers them to appropriate services and groups Collaborates with whānau services and others across all sectors to support whānau
| Enables culturally safe and responsive service or programme processes for whānau engagement Supports the provision of services for whānau seeking support in their own right Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with whānau-focused and whānau-led groups and services |
Supporting parents and their children | ||
Respectfully asks tāngata whai ora about their children (as applicable to role) Recognises that being in a parenting role can offer meaning, purpose, and hope to support wellbeing Demonstrates understanding that for some tāngata whai ora, fear of losing parenting rights may be a barrier to seeking support and communicating openly Identifies risks to children and takes action to protect their safety (eg seeks guidance, refers tāngata whai ora to appropriate services) Knows about and links whānau to support services and groups for parents and children, including cultural services
| Applies an understanding of parenting and child development-to support whānau, including children Sensitively asks about support needs relating to being a parent, and takes action to address identified needs Respectfully communicates any concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children to tangata whai ora and provides support to address these concerns Considers the needs of children in providing information to whānau (eg uses age-appropriate language and resources) | Ensures systems are in place to support whānau in their role as parents Enables systems that ensure the needs of children are appropriately assessed and addressed Enables kaimahi to access learning that supports understanding and skill development in parenting and child development |
Trauma-informed approach | ||
Demonstrates understanding of the possible effects of trauma and loss on whānau Maintains safe and trusting connections with whānau engaging with services
| Works to understand what the experience of trauma means for whānau Establishes psychological safety and maintains a trusting and compassionate relationship with whānau Conveys hope for wellbeing and focuses on whānau empowerment Offers choices including culturally appropriate options Addresses trauma and loss (as applicable to role) Refers whānau to appropriate services
| Fosters and enables the delivery of services that effectively and sensitively respond to the needs of whānau who have experienced trauma and loss |