About Us
Parentline was established in 1978 as a telephone service where parents and caregivers could ring in for advice on parenting and child rearing. In those days, Parentline was staffed by five volunteers.
Over the years, the agency has evolved so that today Parentline offers individual and group counselling, therapy and social work services to children aged between 0 – 13 years who have been traumatised by abuse and domestic violence. Parenting programmes are also available for the parents of children being seen at Parentline as are opportunities for family therapy to strengthen the family unit.
The organisation is governed by a Board of eight Trustees that sets the vision and strategic direction for the organisation. The Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team ensure services and operations are aligned to the Board’s strategic direction.
Work with clients is undertaken by trained and qualified Caseworkers who are either counsellors or social workers. Parentline also employs a part-time clinical psychologist. Caseworkers are supported by Team Leaders who report directly to the Service Delivery Manager.
In addition to front line workers, the Senior Management Team comprises the Chief Executive, the Service Delivery Manager and Funding & Marketing Manager; remaining staff members are administrators.
Parentline is largely funded by government contracts from the Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth & Family, Waikato District Health Board and the Ministry of Justice. Our biggest contract is an Integrated Contract involving more than one government agency.
Revenue is supplemented by community grants, Trusts, Philanthropic funding and sponsorship.
Although our services are primarily based in Hamilton City, the agency regularly receives referrals from outlying areas. During this financial year, Parentline offered a 12 month pilot service in four (4) Taumarunui primary schools that will expire in December 2009.