IOSIS provides a safe, nurturing residential home for women and children experiencing trauma and abuse. Most families coming into the programme are at high risk of losing children or may already have had children removed from their care. Our trained social workers and support staff work with issues of Addiction, Domestic Violence and Abuse and evidence in the ability to make significant changes, through negotiation, supervision and a warm, nurturing environment. Growing numbers of children are being returned to their mothers. In over 25-years that Merivale has been in operation, we have seen hundreds of women re-enter the community and make positive choices for their families and some have all of their children with them.

 

 

 

The programme is entirely residential, with each referral generally completing one to two terms (each term 3 months) the programme includes daily group courses ranging in topics from Domestic Violence, Drugs and Alcohol, Conflict Resolution, Relationships, Parenting and Personal Development.

Early Development Programme Merivale's early child development programme provides early intervention specifically for the under-twos. Providing babies with appropriate activities to support and assess their development and address any health needs that might arise. These can then be addressed with Mum and get her started in effectively managing her baby's needs. The group is run for 2 hours each day enabling mothers to attend group sessions. Many of the children at Merivale are predisposed to developmental issues due to external trauma and mother's stress in pregnancy. The Early development programme ensures that they get plenty of mental stimulation in the early years to promote development.

Criteria:

The only criteria is that the mother is able to acknowledge patterns in her life that need changing and are willing to be committed to the residential programme for a minimum of 3 months.

They need to be available for a full-time commitment, so this is not possible for mothers who are working or in some form of training.

It is suitable for mothers who have already completed an addiction programme, and/or those whose children have been in care with others and are seeking to bring them back into their own day to day care under a supervised environment.

Day attendance is possible under special arrangement.

Referrals:

Referrals for the program can be made by anyone.

For all queries or referrals, please ring Merivale on 09 255 5212 and speak to Sue or Wendy. Alternatively, please email or .