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Multi-agency approach blossoms
A team of investigators specialising in child sexual and serious physical
abuse cases are part of a revolutionary new multi-agency centre in central
Auckland.
PUAWAITAHI, OPPOSITE Starship Children’s Hospital on Grafton Road, is
a one-stop shop for children and families affected by child abuse. Heading
the police team of 10 staff is Detective Sergeant Phil Kirkham.
Working alongside police are a specialist team of doctors, nurses, social
workers, admin staff and cultural support workers from Starship, a team of
psychologists and therapists from Child Youth and Family Service and the local
Mortality Review Committee Coordinator.
The centre opened in November 2002 after a five-year process, which
began when a university research paper showed there were unacceptable delays
in investigating child abuse cases, substandard inter-agency consultation
and a need for greater parent/family support.
A co-located, multi-agency centre was recommended. Phil became involved
in 2000 as the concept began taking shape. With support from then District
Commander Superintendent Howard Broad, PEC approval and Starship Foundation
agreement to lease a building, a project management team was formed to establish
Puawaitahi (a name gifted by local Iwi which means ‘blossoming in unity’).
Since it opened, Puawaitahi has had more than 10,000 visitors, including
1700 victims presenting for the first time. Of those, 72 percent are female
and 28 percent male.
Police and CYFS also provide a team of interviewers for evidential video
interviews. Medical and psychological assessments, social work assessments,
therapy and guidance for children and their families are some of the services
offered by the other agencies at Puawaitahi.
“This works,” says Phil. “There is a streamlined process for case
management and delays have been reduced. The inter-agency consultation is
better and there is great consistency of messages to families.” Stronger
professional relationships, better accountability and joint training opportunities
are other keys to its success, he says. There are also reports back from children
that they found the centre a pleasant place to visit.
Phil admits there are still some challenges, such as evaluation, reviewing
and modifying practises, and how to replicate the centre in other districts. “We
now know how to make it work and it gives us a better product to work with.
We have the luxury of having everything being on tap.”
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