It is not easy for families when a parent or family member is sent to prison. The separation, finding their way through the justice system, coping with the children and dealing with the huge changes in circumstances often leaves families feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Families often say that they are serving a prison sentence themselves – on the outside.
Pillars provides a family support service which is free and voluntary. If you live in Christchurch or South Auckland and can answer “yes” to the following questions then feel free to call us for a chat - 0508 PILLARS (0508 7455277)
They can help with such issues as:
- Court / Prison Systems
- Government organisations eg. Work & Income, Child Youth & Family, Housing NZ
- Grief / loss separation
- Parenting
- Self-esteem/assertiveness
- Budgeting
This service is for you if:
- You are parenting a child or children who have a parent in prison? (Note: There is no requirement for you to be in a relationship with the imprisoned parent)
- The parent have at least one year left to serve their sentence?
- You are residing in Christchurch or South Auckland?
- You are willing to work alongside a Pillars worker to assist with the wellbeing of you and your children?
We can arrange for a worker to meet with you to discuss your needs and any difficulties you may be experiencing due to the imprisonment. All our friendly, professional workers specialise in issues of children of prisoners and their families so you can work alongside them with confidence. This includes providing a confidential, non-judgmental service to you and ensuring that your privacy is respected.
If you live in other regions of New Zealand unfortunately you are not eligible for the service but you can use our information and advice service on www.justus.org.nz.
At the first contact the worker will introduce herself and explain what she can offer. You are free to voice any concerns or ask any questions before agreeing to be involved. You may decide that you would like to think further about receiving support; therefore our worker will suggest that you phone in, or she will phone you within the week. If you decide to go ahead with our support, the social worker will make another time to meet with you the following week. Various levels of support are offered depending on your family's needs. If your children are aged 5-16 years, you may refer them to the mentoring programme at the second visit. You will be asked to sign a consent to be on the programme if you have not already done so. Pillars believes in planning to achieve. As the old asage says: If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Our families have had huge success in our service by setting goals.
If you would like to make a referral phone our Helpline on 0508 PILLARS (0508 7455277) or complete a referral form.