Southland children supports
Discover supports available to support our rangatahi and tamariki in the Southland region
Discover supports available to support our rangatahi and tamariki in the Southland region.
If you live in Invercargill, Manapouri, Te Anau, Bluff and Winton or anywhere else in the Southland region, there are support services available for you and your children.
Our Southland region is part of the South Island | Te Waipounamu region through Health New Zealand, Southern Health Services. Child Development Service Southland supports children and families in your region.
Child Development Service Southland
They see tamariki from birth up to 16 years old, with a focus on those under 5 years old. Some of the conditions the team work with include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, down's syndrome, global developmental delay, and neuromuscular disorders and syndromes with developmental delays.
Contact the team
Email childdevelopmentsth@southerndhb.govt.nz
Phone 03 218 1949 extension 48866
Address Southland Hospital, Gate 3 Kew Road, Invercargill
What to expect with CDS Southland
“When we first meet with you, we will talk about your whānau and what challenges your tamaiti is having. This helps us understand you and the goals you have for your tamaiti so that we can work together to decide on the best way to work towards those goals. This might mean you help to deliver therapy alongside us, which gives your tamaiti the best possible start to meeting those goals.”
Depending on the needs of your tamaiti, they may be seen by one or more of the team members. They also work with other professionals such as paediatricians, orthopaedics and the Ministry of Education.
CDS Southland services
The team offer
developmental assessment including a written report.
specialised programmes with specific goal-directed activities to improve identified areas of difficulty, such as gross and fine motor skills, play skills and self-care
therapy sessions
regular reviews to assist ongoing goal setting that are appropriate for your tamaiti
hydrotherapy sessions in our heated pool
language engagement for under 3-year-olds
feeding and swallowing clinic
home equipment assessment, such as modified bathing or car seats
wheelchair and seating assessments
assessment for housing modifications
social work support
linking you to appropriate community services
advocacy and interpreters as required.
“Raising a tamaiti with developmental differences has its own unique challenges. We are here to be your partner and to support you and your taimaiti on your journey.”
Whenever possible the team aim to work alongside you:
at your home
in community settings such as early childhood centres and pre-schools
at the hospital-based clinic.
Other services available in Southland
Able Minds Invercargill: They offer free, mobile, and confidential support for families caring for someone with mental health challenges or addiction. They also have support groups led by people with lived experience.
Access Community Health - Invercargill Office: This service provides home-based healthcare and support, helping people live independently with the help of the Ministry of Health, Disability Support Services, and ACC.
ADL - Invercargill: They offer therapeutic services to young people and their families across Southland, Otago, Central Otago, and South Canterbury.
Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand - Southland Branch: They offer advocacy, advice, peer support, and social activities for our blind community.
CCS Disability Action: They provide various services including mobility parking, caregiver support, and a toy library.