Whanau Ora : Report of the Taskforce on Whanau-Centred Initiatives

Establishing working
relationships with
appropriate research
institutions is pivotal
moving forward.
Whānau have to describe
success in <strong>the</strong>ir own terms.
3.3.3 In addition to <strong>the</strong> ongoing measurement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outcomes described
below, <strong>the</strong>re needs to be a stated commitment to, and provision for,
research relating to <strong>the</strong> implementation and effectiveness <strong>of</strong> Whānau <strong>Ora</strong>.
This would include <strong>the</strong> dissemination <strong>of</strong> findings through best practice hui.
Measuring Outcomes at <strong>the</strong> Whānau Level
3.3.4 As described elsewhere in this report, <strong>the</strong> relationship between whānau
and providers would be in <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> a partnership in which both parties
contribute information and knowledge, and work toge<strong>the</strong>r collaboratively to
achieve agreed whānau objectives.
3.3.5 As part <strong>of</strong> this process, whānau and providers would discuss and agree
on whānau objectives, following an initial (joint whānau and provider)
appraisal <strong>of</strong> whānau issues <strong>of</strong> concern, toge<strong>the</strong>r with strengths, resources
and capabilities. Whānau would also play a large part in determining <strong>the</strong>
criteria for ascertaining when objectives had been achieved. A regular review
process would ensure that progress was being made and that current
whānau priorities were being addressed.
3.3.6 Outcomes prioritised by whānau could include specific objectives across
social domains, such as housing, employment, income, education, health,
transport, cultural knowledge and connectedness, family relationships and
safety. In some instances, whānau may wish to address additional issues
after an initial goal is attained, and/or may require ongoing or repeat support
from a provider (eg, in times <strong>of</strong> crisis) so that repeated cycles <strong>of</strong> ‘appraisal –
objective setting – implementation – review’ may occur.
3.3.7 Specific whānau objectives (eg, that all children in <strong>the</strong> whānau attend
education services regularly) would be broken down into concrete steps
(eg, ensuring children have school uniforms). These would in turn be linked
to support, information and services that <strong>the</strong> provider would deliver and to
steps <strong>the</strong> whānau would take to achieve <strong>the</strong>m.
3.3.8 Providers would be required to maintain records <strong>of</strong> contact with whānau and
progress made, and to provide summarised versions <strong>of</strong> this information to
funders according to an agreed schedule (eg, quarterly).
3.3.9 It will be important to ga<strong>the</strong>r appropriate information that answers questions
at <strong>the</strong> whānau level:
• are whānau goals geared towards building resiliency and enhancing
whānau strengths, as well as addressing issues <strong>of</strong> concern
• are providers delivering appropriate services to whānau and are whānau
well-informed about <strong>the</strong>ir options
• how satisfied are whānau with <strong>the</strong>ir ability to access appropriate health
and social services and with <strong>the</strong> quality and kaupapa <strong>of</strong> services
• what factors make whānau more (or less) likely to engage with providers
and take active steps towards achieving <strong>the</strong>ir goals
• what evidence is <strong>the</strong>re that overall whānau wellbeing has improved as a
result <strong>of</strong> achieving <strong>the</strong>ir specific objectives
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