Our Adolescent Service
Our Adolescent Service has been a core part of our mahi (work) since 1993, providing support and intervention for over 800 adolescents and their family.
Our programmes are structured to support adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years old who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour and our support extends to their respective families.
We acknowledge this is a journey, and if you meet the threshold for our support we will be alongside you every step of the way.
If you or someone you know has concerning or harmful sexual behaviour talk to us about in confidence and without judgement and we can offer some guidance. You can read more here.
Developmentally age-expected sexualised behaviour
Adolescent sexuality is a stage of human development in which adolescents experience and explore sexual feelings. It is a developmental stage when self-control, linking consequences to behaviour, delayed gratification and risk management are not fully developed.
Download this PDF to learn more about developmentally age-expected sexualised behaviour page and the behaviours that can be present at different ages and stages.
Your journey with Stop
Talk to us by clicking on ‘’Contact Us" or phone 03 353 0257.
Call and find out if we are the right service for you and your family.
During this discussion, we will hear your story and make a plan, alongside you, for the most appropriate way forward. We will outline what you can expect, which may include being referred to a more appropriate service.
Your journey with Stop then starts with the Assessment phase. This takes between 10-12 weeks and is where we work with you to assess risk and behaviour and what therapy is required.
Intervention is the next step in the journey and can be anything from 3-18 months. It can consist of individual and group sessions and working with whānau. Throughout your time in the programme we will review your progress.
As part of our ongoing support, Stop will follow up with you and your whānau 3-6 months after your completion of the programme, providing support when you need it.
Talk to us by clicking on ‘’Contact Us" or phone 03 353 0257.
Call and find out if we are the right service for you and your family.
During this discussion, we will hear your story and make a plan, alongside you, for the most appropriate way forward. We will outline what you can expect, which may include being referred to a more appropriate service.
Your journey with Stop then starts with the Assessment phase. This takes between 10-12 weeks and is where we work with you to assess risk and behaviour and what therapy is required.
Intervention is the next step in the journey and can be anything from 3-18 months. It can consist of individual and group sessions and working with whānau. Throughout your time in the programme we will review your progress.
As part of our ongoing support, Stop will follow up with you and your whānau 3-6 months after your completion of the programme, providing support when you need it.
Getting help
It's simple to get help – just click on ‘Contact Us’ if you are concerned or you can call us on 03 353 0257 if you would like to have a chat with one of our team. We can then guide you through the process from there.
In some cases, we may need a formal referral from another professional such as your GP or a lawyer. Other agencies and community organisations also refer clients to Stop.
It is important that you know that free, highly effective help is available. It’s also important to know that Stop’s practices and procedures protect and respect our client’s privacy, both in terms of face-to-face contact and client records. All referrals are confidential.
Information for whānau
Most whānau experience many emotions when they find out a loved one has exhibited concerning or harmful sexual behaviours. Some of the most common reactions are shock, anger, disbelief, shame and confusion. Sometimes whānau will blame themselves.
It is important to know that it’s not your fault and you are not responsible. The person exhibiting harmful behaviour is responsible for their own actions, and the Stop team can support them to live healthier lives.
Whānau often want someone supportive to talk to. Stop can help. Our experience demonstrates that with the right support, whānau can move forward and feel more hopeful.
Using Te Tiriti o Waitangi as our foundation, we work to ensure all clients and their whānau receive culturally appropriate support that recognises their unique values, beliefs and needs. If you would like to talk about your specific needs, you can ask us.
Whānau often worry that ‘everyone’ will know their rangatahi is engaged with Stop - this isn’t at all the case. Your referral is confidential and once you engage with our services, we will outline our commitment to you and your child’s privacy and confidentiality.
The following documentary explains a young person's journey at Stop. This documentary was created by Eleanor Bishop as part of the pop up film school supported by Dame Jane Campion. Stop Documentary
