The Solution

We envisage a welcoming postnatal service which would be a wellspring of inspiration about parenting. We would like to be known to every prospective and new parent in Southland and for our service to be recognised as nurturing parents’ relationships with their babies to whatever degree they require, including a short-stay residence if wished.

Relationships are the key element within the 1000 Days Kaupapa. We hold Whakawhanaunatanga in high regard. While centring on the relationship between parent and child, we will also be celebrating whanau and revering our parents’ connection to people, stories and traditions that create meaning and connection all parents deserve.

We also envisage a substantial community outreach, where whanau can seek support, mentoring and intervention from conception through to their child reaching three years of age. We will have particular focus on parent-baby relationships and the service will be tailored to the needs of the whanau and can range from education through to specialist assessment and intensive therapy.

The 1000 Days Model Process

Referral and assessment

The clinical model consists of a referral and assessment process, working with existing social and health service providers, and providing in the long term for the inclusion of self referrals. 

1000 Days residence

Once assessed as meeting the 1000 Days criteria by the selection team, parents and babies will be eligible for a 5-day stay in the 1000 Days residence. This will provide access to a specialist-led residential plan which will include opportunities for education on parent/baby relationship, feeding and sleeping support, whanau and self-care.

The residence would be home-like setting with room for each parent and baby to have an extra adult staying to support them (e.g., partner, parent). 

Aftercare

Home visits linking with other community based agencies for ongoing support. Thorough post-assessment plans will be put in place for the future.