PILLARS Inc, is an innovative long term, prevention programme serving children with a parent in prison. Established in 1988, services are delivered by professional social workers and volunteer mentors utilizing the natural and professional networks already available to the child, their parents and their family / whanau through a family wraparound which encompasses one on one social work support, children of prisoners mentoring, and strengthening families meetings.
PILLARS has been a national leader in such work for over two decades, through supporting families to make positive change and remain and live crime free. The mentoring programme is one of the earliest programmes introduced in New Zealand. It provides wraparound services both in South Auckland and Christchurch and a nationwide Helpline Service.
Our services are child focused and family centred, ensuring that the care and protection of the child is paramount at all times.
PILLARS is currently developing a website for children of prisoners based on a town called Just Us. The website will:
- Give them a voice
- Represent their views
- Support them to break the cycle of intergenerational crime
- Raise awareness of issues affecting them
- Provide them with information and advice.
The website will also provide support for Parent / Caregivers and Professionals working with children of prisoners.
PILLARS services are designed to impact the risk and protective factors associated with criminal behaviour at both the individual and family levels. Services are flexiible but require at least 12 months of participation in the programme.
It relies totally on volunteer support to provide the mentoring programme.
PILLARS is committed to a standard of excellence in its child and family / whanau support, the prevention of criminal offending and the promotion of volunteerism.
PILLARS provide a free non-judgmental and confidential service. As we rely on financial support to provide our services, a koha / donation is appreciated.
