IDEA Services receives funding from the Ministry of Health, ACC and the Ministry of Social Development for a range of services and activities.

IDEA Services is an approved provider under section 396 of the Children and Young Persons Act to provide services.

People wanting to use family/whanau services must have a comprehensive needs assessment completed by the local NASC or ACC which should also include evidence that the person has an intellectual disability.

ACC has its own assessment process.

Family/whanau services aims to support people with disabilities to live with their family or in a family setting and to participate in their communities.

Family/whanau services provides a range of services that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the person with the disability and their family. Services may differ from area to area and might include:

• Home support – this is a flexible form of support based in the family home or to support participation in activities in the community. A home support worker may help the person learn new skills, or provide support and supervision while the family has time-out. 

• Shared care – shared caregivers look after the person with a disability in the caregiver's home on a part-time basis. Shared care may range from two to three days per month to two to three days per week.

• Foster care – IDEA Services believes children and young people should be supported to live with their own family/whanau. Where this is not possible then we may be requested to provide an appropriate foster care placement with another family.

• Contract board – this service is for those adults that prefer to live in a family setting.

• Holiday programmes, after school care, family support centres and sibling camps may be provided in some areas.

• All family/whanau services staff and caregivers are police checked, trained and receive ongoing support.  

• Respite bases – are available in a limited number of locations and provide a residential home where families can reserve accommodation for their family member while the family takes a break from caring.