Toughlove is a non-profit, self-help organisation that provides ongoing education and active support to NZ families who are struggling with unacceptable behaviour from adolescent children. The programme is designed to provide support for parents who are concerned, scared, frustrated or confused, and it empowers both parent and child to take responsibility for their actions and stop destructive behaviours.
What does it do?
Toughlove provides weekly support meetings for parents who are having difficulties dealing with adolescent behaviour in their home. The Tauranga branch also offers support groups for young people.
Toughlove do not promise to provide immediate answers, but instead trust you will find practical advice, guidance and support amongst other people who are going through similar situations. Meetings are held every week, and last between 2 – 2 ½ hours.
How is it funded?
Most of Toughlove’s funding comes through Child, Youth and Family Services and the District Health Board. The remaining monies are raised through charitable grants or volunteer fundraising.
How can I get their help?
Toughlove does not operate in every centre, however there are new support groups starting all the time. To find out if there is a support group in your area, phone 0800 TOUGHLOVE or 0800 868445.
How much does it cost?
There is a one time charge of approximately $45 to cover the cost of the materials you will need in the group, and some branches also request a gold coin donation from each family at every meeting. However, if you can not afford the one-time payment or the weekly donations, don’t let that stop you from participating. Talk to your Toughlove office and they will help find a way to work it out.
Link to Toughlove website
This website provides basic information about the Toughlove services, details of meetings and groups in your area, and stories from other families in similar situations. It provides answers to some of the common questions parents ask about the service itself, and contact information of Toughlove national office.
Kia ora
Would love to know where I can get to a meeting.
I live in Huntly
Hi, how do we join this, we live in Ackland
Check out their website for details: https://www.toughlove.org.nz/#/ — Kiwi Families
Hi, I live in Wellington. Are there any meetings/groups in my area? Thank you
Hi Jackie, I’m not sure there is a Wellington organisation. But jump on their website to find the national office number to ask. Or you could try The Parenting Place. It’s a slightly different model, but they do have workshops in the Wellington region. — Jarrod