History

The Establishment of Tautoko Services

In 1995 the Central and Midland Regional Health Authorities in New Zealand commissioned Garth Bennie and Associates to conduct a research project on the needs, supports and services for people with an intellectual disability who have challenging behaviour. The research report (Bennie 1995) led to a request for proposals to deliver a service to the prescribed client group across the Central Health region.

In response to this request Tautoko Services was formed in January 1996 by a core group of committed professionals with extensive experience and expertise in the area of intellectual disability services and other community services. The group identified the need for a support service for people with an intellectual disability whose behaviour challenges, that was independent from ongoing service provision.

The organisation operates on a specific service model which was developed from the experiences of the service developers, the requirements of the funding body and the recommendations of the original research report (Bennie 1995).

Charitable Trust

Tautoko Services is  registered with the Charities Commission (CC26019) and is governed by a Board of Trustees-for information on our status and current Board members please refer to Tautoko Services at http://www.charities.govt.nz.

Philosophy

Tautoko Services believes in the inclusion of all people within the community.

Tautoko Services is committed to working collaboratively with people whose behaviour challenges.

We believe that behaviours that challenge are about relationships:"I do what I do in order to get what I need from people around me".

We believe that behaviours that challenge are about history: "If you want to help me to change, you'll have to understand where I come from".`

We believe that behaviours that challenge are about communication: "How else can I get my message across?"

We believe that behaviours that challenge are about respect: "If you try to dominate or control me, I will fight you any way I can".

We believe that behaviours that challenge are about anxiety: " I am often frightened and confused and I have been hurt before".

We see the challenges within the context of the community in which the individual lives.

We work along side individuals and families, listening to their stories and identifying their strengths, so that we can support them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

We offer open, honest and non-aversive support based on research, experience and professional best practices. Communication, relationships and participation are central to our approach.

We recognise that behaviours that challenge occur within a cultural context and can only be fully understood within this context.

Our relationship with other service agencies and their staff will be based on principles of respect, support and empowerment.

We provide staff development with an emphasis on value based training, in response to identified learning needs. We recognise that one of our key roles is to provide support and training to enable hands-on staff to do their job.
(March 2007)

To view a copy of the Tautoko Research Summary click on the following link
Tautoko Research Summary pdf