S.T.A.R.T Early

Programme Structure

The START Early programme consists of an extensive wraparound intervention that can span up to a year which includes a 2-week outdoors component.

Our START Early staff Tyson King (Community mentor - START Early), Nathan Woods (Community mentor - START Early) and Kaya Kahui (Community mentor - Mana Wahine) work intensively with participants to ensure we are walking alongside rangatahi and supporting them to reach the goals we have helped them identify.

REFERRAL

Referrals for the Early Intervention programme are now open to the general public via the ‘expression of interest’ tab in the drop down menu, alternatively you can email our General Manager, Kym Phillips (kym@starttaranaki.co.nz) for referral information.

INTERVIEW

Our staff will arrange a time with the referrer and any other relevant people (whanau, care givers etc). This gives everyone the opportunity to assess whether START Taranaki is the right option for the young person being referred.

SELECTION

Following the interviews our staff will have a case consult and make a final decision on whether the referral has been accepted. All potential candidates will be then be notified if successful or unsuccessful.

Discussions between Police Youth Aid Officers and START Taranaki identified a need for a programme that addresses youth offending at the earliest possible stage, before an offending cycle is created. Local Police Youth Aid indicated that throughout Taranaki there are rangatahi who would benefit from targeted, effective intervention and long term support before escalation occurs.

S.T.A.R.T EARLY aims to provide the necessary early intervention required by rangatahi at risk of offending or repeat offending. A full years mentoring and follow-up support is available and delivered through the START Early Community Mentors and Case Leaders.

We accept referrals from across Taranaki for low-level offending or when a young person has been identified as being ‘at risk of offending’. This is generally as either part of a Police Alternative Action Plan, Family Group (FGC) Conference Plan or simply a referral and recommendation from the Police or member of the community.

Referrals for this programme are always open, but please note the isolation intakes begin in January and June of each year. If your rangatahi begin their mentoring with us after February or June, they will be included in the next available isolation intake.

Thank you to The Toi Foundation (previously known as TSB Community Trust) who is the main funder for the START Early Programme. The Trust’s focus on achieving positive community outcomes has been a perfect match for START. Their belief in our organisation through funding this programme and the ongoing support they offer with future development will continue to ensure there are positive interventions and pathways for vulnerable young people in Taranaki.