Call for change in addiction workforce

Call for change in addiction workforce

The national Māori health organisation Te Rau Matatini is calling for a shift in the way whānau who have been impacted by alcohol, drug misuse or problem gambling are dealt with.

TE HAU MĀRIRE: Addiction Workforce Framework for people working with Māori experiencing addiction-related harm (2015–2025) was released at the Addiction Leadership Day in Christchurch.

Workforce centres and representatives of the addiction treatment system were all involved in creating the framework. It sets a direction to start a whānau-centred workforce that competently integrates cultural and clinical elements in their day-to-day practice.

“Just doing more of the same won’t do it for Māori”, said Te Hau Mārire programme manager Terry Huriwai.

“Increasingly we see the benefits of enhancing our practice by underpinning it with Māori values, beliefs and practice. Making a difference means consciously growing a workforce, whether Māori or non-Māori, that will work in this way”.

Te Rau Matatini will take responsibility for supporting others to align to the Framework as well as dedicating a work stream to develop, nurture and grow Māori centred practice.

“The outcome will be whānau who have been impacted by alcohol and other drug misuse or problem gambling will be able to thrive and flourish”, said Te Rau Matatini Workforce Innovation Manager Maria Baker.

ENDS

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