Children’s Referral

How Does a Child get referred to the Children’s Service?

Often when a parent or another adult discovers a child has engaged in concerning sexualised behaviour they will contact a health professional (such as a GP), a counsellor, school teacher or principal.

Initial telephone contact may be made with the Children’s Service Team Leader from such professionals or from a parent or caregiver to discuss the appropriateness of a referral.

Advice can also be given on initial safety guidelines to put in place while a referral is being made.  If it seems appropriate, a referral may then be made for an assessment to the  STOP Children’s Service.  There is no cost to clients for the services provided by STOP.  The referral professional would discuss funding options with the Children’s Service Team Leader or Clinical Manager prior to the referral being made.

Referral sources include

• Child, Youth and Family Social Worker
• Health Professional
• Community Agency
• School Counsellor, Principal or senior school staff member.

Initial contact is generally made via phone or email contact with the Children’s Service Team Leader nearest the child:

• Christchurch  click here 
• Dunedin  click here

If the referral fits the criteria for the service, the referral person completes a Referral form and returns it to the STOP Children’s Service Team Leader

Click here to download the Children’s Service Children’s Forms  (in word Format)