Kina Families and Addictions Trust

When a person has an alcohol, drug or other addiction problem it is also a family and community issue.

Kina Trust was formed in response to low levels of family involvement in alcohol and drug treatment services. The Trust believes that not only do family members, especially children, have the right to support, but that by involving family in the process there is more chance of successful recovery.

What is the Trust?

Kina Trust is a national Charitable Trust established in 2002 by professionals concerned with the lack of services provided for the families and children in the addiction field. The Trust does not provide clinical services, but through its activities fosters service development for families.

Who is involved in the Trust?

Trustees are key representatives from treatment services, academic institutions and community services throughout New Zealand. A strong working group supports Trust activities. Individuals are contracted for specific projects and administration support.

Why is the Trust needed?

Some services already provide limited programmes for children and families but these are typically under resourced and marginalised. Children of family members often present to other specialised services. When this happens, the focus is typically on the individual presenting rather than the family issue of addiction. Research identifies both the need for, and effectiveness of, family inclusive practice. In the New Zealand context, this requires the involvement of whanau at all levels of service provision and interventions that encompass social networks.

What Can the Kina Trust do for you?

The Trust can support organisations in development of family inclusive practices and programmes.

Trust activities include:

• Advocacy work
• Provision of resources
• Providing linkages between developing services
• Training and education
• Access to involvement in current research
• Supporting programmes that provide for family members
• Specific project work

About the Name

For the Trust, the Kina captures a unique part of life in Aotearoa. It represents sustenance, collectiveness and presence of the sea in New Zealand family life. The spines reflect the defences of addiction shielding the preciousness within. This name reflects the bi-cultural nature of our communities.

© KINA - Families and Addictions Trust