About Us

Vision | Purpose | Objectives | People | Our programmes

After the 1995 demise of the Child Abuse Prevention Society Auckland, a small group of workers determined to continue to provide programmes for parents at risk of abusing their children.  They initially worked under the umbrella of the Auckland Methodist Mission.  In 1995, our organisation was founded in and incorporated in 1996 as Anger Change Trust, with a vision of strong, resourced, and empowered individuals being the parents they want to be.  This remains our vision and to this end, we run educational and therapeutic programmes throughout the Auckland region, catering for approximately 350-400 parents annually.  In 2006, Anger Change Trust changed its name to Parent Trust.  It is a Charitable Trust and derives its income from a pool of funders (trusts, businesses and government) and contributions from clients.  

Parent Trust is a CYFS-approved Level 2 provider under Section 403 of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1989.

What is our vision of New Zealand society?

A society where parents/caregivers and children have robust, joyful and mutually respectful relationships.

Why are we here?

To provide assistance to parents and caregivers who wish to develop greater confidence and creativity in their ability to parent and to break cycles of harm by dealing with the frustrations of parenting

What are our objectives?

• To prevent child abuse and neglect through resourcing parents and caregivers of children;
• To educate, encourage and resource parents and caretakers by the provision of educational and therapeutic groups and individual counselling for the prevention of child abuse, neglect, and family violence;
• To provide a safe place where parents and caregivers can talk openly about themselves, their children, relationships and families, and their desire to develop healthy parenting;
• To strive towards a culturally relevant approach to these objectives.

Who do we work with?

People who come to Parent Trust programmes are parents and caregivers who want to enjoy parenting more.  They may already be doing pretty well in their parenting.  They may want to develop more loving relationships with their children. 

But from time to time they may find it a real challenge or really stressful with their child.  After all, it’s one of the toughest jobs on the planet!  They may find themselves feeling negative about one or more of their children.  They may find themselves getting angry or frustrated with one of their kids.  They may even find themselves feeling alone and empty.  It may be worse at certain times or in some situations.

All have identified that they are directing their anger towards at least one child in their care, and realise that they need to do something different.

In the year ended 30 June 2008, Parent Trust ran a total of 54 groups from Whangaparaoa to Papakura.

Our Programmes

Being the Mother You Want to Be

This programme is for mums who feel concerned about their stress and...
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Being the Father you Want to Be

For dads who are committed to being good dads.  If you are...
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The Art of Change

The follow-up group is for mothers, grandmothers or female caregivers...
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