Olivia is a young mum raising two children, including Toby, a preschooler with a global developmental delay and complex behavioural challenges. After years in a violent relationship, she was focused on creating a safe, stable home. But she was overwhelmed—juggling support systems, housing insecurity, and behavioural incidents at Toby’s kindy that led to his exclusion.
Birthright Wellington (BRW) stepped in to coordinate with services, helping Olivia and the professionals around her work together with clarity. When Toby’s autism assessment report raised questions, BRW’s kaimahi directly connected with the paediatric registrar who authored it. This proactive communication helped clarify that Toby’s behaviour was more likely linked to trauma than autism—a critical distinction that shaped his care plan.
In parallel, BRW helped bring in the Ministry of Education’s Early Intervention Team and advocated for a safety plan at Toby’s kindy. Toby was soon on the waitlist for STAND, a service providing intensive support for tamariki with trauma histories. While this was unfolding, Olivia was managing a house move and protecting her family from her former partner, recently released from prison.
Having BRW and Women’s Refuge by her side allowed Olivia to manage the pressures without falling through the cracks. With clear communication and advocacy in place, Olivia is now supported by a coordinated network—working for the best outcomes for her and her children