Description

Hapū, iwi and the Māori community have an important role in shaping the way in which communities and services respond to people experiencing mental health or addiction issues and in supporting recovery for Māori who use services (Ministry of Health, 2012, p7). Kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services are an indigenous response to effectively meeting the mental health and/or addiction needs of tangata whaiora and their whānau./ As Māori working in the mental health and addiction sector it is critical that we continue to lead and develop Māori mental health and addiction models of care, solutions and strategies.

The Kaupapa Māori Mental Health and Addiction Service: Best Practice Framework revalues the importance of a framework that enhances understanding of, and confidence in, the unique elements and contributions made by the Kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction service workforce. Intended as a resource guide best practice, the Best Practice Framework identifies six core dimensions, and their associated descriptors, exemplars and implications. Central to each dimension is the identification of what is required for Kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services and programs to realise excellent outcomes for tangata whaiora and their whānau.