Our Impact

In New Zealand, childhood exposure to maltreatment and relational trauma is extremely common.

Worldwide, approximately one-third of children experience physical abuse, and 25% of girls and 20% of boys experience sexual victimisation (United Nations 2006). Studies by the US Department of Health and Human Services (2011) and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (Pynoos 2001) confirmed without doubt the long-term negative consequences of maltreatment on children.

These children have an increased risk of severe mental and physical health issues, including post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), depression, suicide, substance abuse, heart disease, pulmonary disease and liver disease. Children exposed to multiple traumas are at greater risk of subsequent trauma exposure and cumulative impairment.

Stand Tū Māia is grounded in a foundation of basic theories, principles and what we learn from research. Our work is science (based on proven theories), but the work of making these theories come alive and using them to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families is art. Our continued learning about attachment, trauma, child development, family systems and neurobiology supports us to provide an effective approach to child healing and parent training that links mind, body and relationships.

We know that:

  • Children in families below the poverty line ar 45 times more likely to experience neglect and 60 times more likely to die from maltreatment.

  • Mental health problems are highest for children placed in out-of-home care.

  • Children who enter out-of-home care are more likely to exhibit aggressive and antisocial behaviour, use drugs and alcohol and enter the youth justice system.

  • Children in 80% of high risk families (poverty, substance abuse, abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, history of maltreatment in a parent’s childhood, depression and other psychological disorders in parents) fail to develop secure attachment patterns.

As a nation, it is imperative that we increase our awareness and understanding of attachment as a critical factor in child and family psychosocial functioning and dysfunction. Armed with this understanding the children’s workforce will become purposeful in applying an effective framework for the prevention, assessment and treatment of the harm caused by relationship trauma.

At a glance: our impact by numbers

Families supported FY25: 1,465 families (6,667 individuals)

Waitlist at the end of FY25: 400 families (1,823 individuals)

Tamariki demographics: 89% aged 7–14; 51% Māori; 4% Pasifika; 6% Māori & Pasifika; 34% New Zealand European;
80% known to Oranga Tamariki

Risk factors: 97% of tamariki exposed to five or more risk factors; 82% to 10 or more (out of 15 identified risk factors)

Scale of trauma being experienced:

  • 93% of children referred to us have experienced trauma.

  • 70% have faced family violence or maltreatment.

  • 87% have difficulty with emotional regulation.

  • 77% show signs of antisocial behaviour or hyperactivity.

  • 68% are disengaged from education—not attending school, stood down, not enrolled.

  • 82% of caregivers struggle with discipline.

  • 74% face relationship issues or have a history of abuse.

  • 59% live with mental illness in the household.

  • 60% lack access to basic support systems—mental health care, income, employment.

The outcomes for the tamariki mokopuna and whānau we work with demonstrate what is possible and why this work is essential: reductions in PTSD symptoms, improvements in family functioning, and better wellbeing reported by children, parents and teachers. Across every measure—home, school and community—we see strengthened resilience and restored hope. Evidence shows that our specialist trauma-capable model works, consistently and at scale.

Outcome measures

Pre and post psychometric measures

  • Using the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) – PTSD symptoms reduced for 74% of children.

  • Using the McMaster Family Assessment Device – 72% of families improved
    in overall family functioning and 100% showed improvements in family functioning in one or more domains.

  • Using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) – 73% of children, 86%
    of parents, and 68% of teachers reported improvements in overall child difficulties.

  • Using the SDQ Impact Assessment – 78% of parents and 75% of teachers/learning support. professionals reported that the impact of the improvement in child difficulties had significantly reduced stress in the home, classroom and school.

Child, Parent, Teacher Self-Report on Outcomes at Service Closure

Child wellbeing:

  • 91% of children report improved health.

  • 95% of whānau report they are enrolled with a GP.

  • 68% of whānau report improved mental health and reduced stress.

Educational outcomes:

  • 86% of children report enjoying school and learning more. — 59% of teachers report improved attendance.

  • 83% of teachers observe better self-regulation.

  • 59% of teachers note improved learning ability.

  • 87% of parents report their children are attending school. Economic Stability:

  • 96% of parents report managing finances effectively and accessing support when needed.

Safety and protection:

  • 99% of children report feeling safe in their family.

  • 94% of children report feeling loved.

  • 87% of whānau report being able to resolve conflicts without violence. — 99% of whānau report their children are safe.

Family functioning:

  • 83% of whānau report reduced stress.

  • 67% of whānau report improvements in family communication.

  • 67% of whānau report improvements in problem-solving.

  • 75% of whānau report improvements in role functioning.

  • 64% of whānau report improvements in behaviour control.

  • 72% of whānau report improvements in overall family functioning.