Hi, We have a 17 year old young girl who is living with us. She has come to us because of the physical and emotional abuse that was happening in her home with her Parents. She is currently do a course here in New Plymouth but does not received a student allowance but does receive travelling allowance.
My question is that we have tried to get the Unspported Youth Benefit for her, we have had the accessor interview and we were declined because as far as WINZ can see there is no 'family break down". Even though I have had to get the local police involved, name of the constable can be give, she is receiving counselling through TDHB.

This young girl does not want to live in her unsafe family environment. She is trying to apply for jobs but gets rejected because she has no confidence, no self esteem. She hides behind her hair and whispers if she is not confident around a stranger.
This young girl feels no self worth to live on this earth as she does not feel she has the right to bludge her way through life. We have reassured her that she can live with us for as long as she feels the need to to start rebuilding her life. She is now on anti depressant medications as she is suicidal.

Any suggestions with trying to get a some form of a winz benefit to help in the first instance. V has been living with us since the 15th May of this year.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Stacey