Tauwhiro Taiohi (MASSiSS)

This school-based community social work service provides early assistance and intervention to young people or rangatahi and their families or whānau when social or family circumstances are causing the child to struggle with education, health, mental health or social development. The aim is to see safe, healthy and socialised children or tamariki with a strong sense of identity, who are fully engaged in school.

Referrals can be made by the young person or family themselves, the school, or community or government agencies. Referrals need the consent of the parents or primary caregiver. The families involvement helps achieve long-term successful outcomes.

MASSiSS staff, including social workers, are employed by NGO social service providers. They work in partnership with school staff, as part of the school community.