61116 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

61116 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Why are 120 Wellington families losing access to the Wellington arm of Te Whatu Ora's 'carer relief programme', if the funding has not been cut?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that the programme was specifically designed for the carers of young people, who are currently clients of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and are diagnosed with moderate to severe mental health conditions. I am further advised that over time the eligibility criteria had widened beyond its original intent and is currently being accessed by families who were/are not clients of the service. Health New Zealand have advised me that they are bringing the programme back to its original intent – that is, to ensure those families with the greatest need can still access carer relief and take well-deserved breaks from their full-time roles. The budget has always been, and will continue to be, the same amount for this programme.