The Nga Kaiwhakatere programme provides a flexible continuum of care for young people diagnosed with severe conduct disorder and who are in the custody of Child Youth and Family.

The Programme
The programme uses Functional Family Therapy, Multi-Systemic Therapy, Multi Dimensional Treatment Fostercare and residential placements to address anti-social behaviour where less intensive interventions have failed.

Youth Horizons conducts an intensive assessment to determine the appropriate treatment response given the young person's current behaviour, living situation, and family and CYF recommendations. This allows us to plan interventions to meet individual needs and reduce the amount of time that is spent in out-of-home placements.

The age range of young people in the programme is between eleven and seventeen years of age.

Treatment Responses

• Functional Family Therapy (FFT), FFT is an internationally acclaimed evidence-based model designed for young people and their families. The programme is designed for young people aged 10 to 18 who engage in a range of anti social behaviour. It operates within the family home for 2 – 5 months, supporting the family system to function effectively.  FFT focuses on family strengths so the family is able to re-frame and build new ways for managing challenges together and then take those skills into their broader communities, schools and work environments. One of the key goals of FFT is to ensure the child stays within the family home.  It empowers families to resolve issues on their own. 
  Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST),a short-term (5 month) intensive, community-based approach aiming to help parents understand and help their child overcome behavioural problems. This includes improving school attendance and reducing contact with antisocial peers. MST clinicians work with families to address barriers to effective parenting such as domestic violence and substance use.
• Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care, is evidence based and works with young people aged 12 – 17 in CYF care who have a history of youth offending and other externalising difficulties and Severe Conduct Disorder related problems.  MTFC delivers treatment to young people and their families through a managed intensive therapeutic care relationship in an out-of-home foster placement. Caregiver parents play a crucial role in delivering treatment. They form part of a wider treatment team including Young Person and Family/Whanau Therapists, skills trainers, cultural advisors, educational and activity based programmes.
• Residential Care provides a high level of support and guidance in a highly structured environment for young people with a history of placement breakdown. This provides a safe, environment for staff to address inappropriate behaviours through the use of behaviour management techniques. The programme follows the same points system as the Foster Care programme.

For further information please contact Peter Topzand (Programme Manager) on 09 573 0954 ext 207 / 021 673 872  or at petert@youthorizons.org.nz