Catholic Family Support Services is the professional social work, family support and budget advisory service for the Diocese of Hamilton.

Our aim is to support people so that they are able to function appropriately and well in our communities.  We seek to enhance the dignity of all people by providing support and opportunities for change.

The value of our Service is that, although it is responds to an identified need for a family, it is preventive also.  The purpose is to help avoid more serious consequences for the family.

The philosophy is “helping people to help themselves” – “Hapai te tangata kia ahei te tiaki I ia ano”, so that the client family can regain their confidence and the ability to make their own decisions.

Our commitment is not to foster dependency but independence and confidence.  It is not about a “hand-out” but a “hand-up”.

Family Support.
This is home based support and mentoring for families in need.   Parents and caregivers are supported to build thriving families by regular home visits and encouraged in building their confidence.   This includes support for refugees and migrants.  Education in parenting skills, child development and advocacy are also provided.

Social Work.
Professional, intensive social work service for families/whanau providing advocacy, liaison, assessment, and referral to other agencies if appropriate.

Budget Advise and Support.
The agency is affiliated to the NZ Federation of Family Budgeting Services Inc.  Qualified Budget Advisors provide confidential and professional advice and support.

This agency is closely aligned to the Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank through whom food parcels are provided to the needy.

Supervised Contact .
For non-custodial parents to spend time (safely) with their children.  These cases are referred to us mainly by the Family Court or Child Youth and Family.

All services, with the exception of supervised contact, are free to the client.

Supervised Contact may be funded by Child Youth and Family, or by the Family Court.

If this is requested privately, the cost is $80 per hour (excl GST).

Catholic Family Support Services is a registered charity.

We are dependant on the goodwill of our community and on the financial assistance from various government,  Lottery, Church and other community grants.

You can be part of this caring ministry of the Church in this Diocese by being a part of CLUB 1000.

Catholic Family Support Services is seeking  1000 people who will commit  to financially supporting them by donating $100 per year.

This is the equivalent of only $2.00 each week – compare this with a litre of milk or a loaf of bread!

Payment can be by automatic payment, cheque, internet banking or telebanking.

Your support can help provide qualified staff to work with families and provide them with the support and comfort they so desperately need to rebuild their self confidence and so empower them to take control of their lives again.

Please phone our office for details.