Supporting statement

If a young person cannot provide a document from an official source, they can provide a written supporting statement to verify a Parental Support Gap. A supporting statement can only be completed by a:

• registered professional
• contracted youth coach or
• third party nominated by MSD

Note a supporting statement cannot be completed by a person who is employed by MSD, no matter where in the organisation they work.

Anyone completing a supporting statement must meet all the following requirements:

• be aged 20 years or older
• not be an immediate family member of the young person
• be able to confirm the circumstances of the Parental Support Gap and
• be willing to be contacted by MSD about those circumstances and their statement

Immediate family member means a partner, partner's parent, grandparent or sibling of the young person. It also includes a foster, step, whāngai, or former immediate family member.

A registered professional means a professional in the health, education, justice or social services sector who:

• is acting in their professional capacity when they complete the supporting statement (paid or voluntary)
• is registered with the relevant body regulating that profession and
• has a current practising certificate in that role

Examples of registered professionals by sector

If a young person is transferring from Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment, their assigned youth coach can complete a supporting statement to verify their Parental Support Gap. However, a young person can still provide a document from an official source or a supporting statement completed by someone else if appropriate.

Note a supporting statement cannot be completed by MSD's "in-house" youth service staff or the Youth Service Support Unit.

In some cases, a young person will not be able to provide a supporting statement from a registered professional. This could be because:

• there are no registered professionals available in their local area
• relevant services are not accepting new clients e.g. GP practice
• wait times are unreasonably long e.g. no appointments within 20 working days of the date of first contact
• the cost of an appointment or assessment is not affordable
• transport or accessibility issues mean they cannot access services

If MSD is satisfied a young person has taken reasonable steps to access a registered professional but has not been able to, they may nominate a third party to complete a supporting statement. This can be someone chosen by MSD or the young person, if they meet the requirements for a person completing a supporting statement.

To nominate a third party to provide a supporting statement, MSD must be satisfied the young person has taken reasonable steps to access a registered professional but has not been able to.

Reasonable steps include, but are not limited to, the following:

• unsuccessful attempts to contact relevant professionals
• looking for free or low-cost options e.g. through community agencies
• looking for professionals who offer online or phone-based services

Example 1

Kiki declares a Parental Support Gap with her mother due to a history of emotional abuse. Until a few months ago, she had been seeing a psychologist who knows her circumstances well. But he has retired and does not meet the requirements for a registered professional to complete a supporting statement. This is because he does not have a current practising certificate.

Two of Kiki's teachers were aware of her circumstances. She has tried to get in contact with them but has not had a reply. She cannot afford to see another psychologist as the cost is $350 per session. She has registered for a free counsellor but is on 4-month waiting list.

MSD is satisfied that Kiki has taken reasonable steps to find a registered professional and nominates her previous psychologist to complete a supporting statement.

Example 2

Tyrone declares a Parental Support Gap with both his parents due to a family breakdown. Growing up, Tyrone lived in a remote area and was homeschooled. He did not have a family doctor or access to health services, and he has not had any involvement with the justice system.

There are no registered professionals who are familiar with Tyrone's circumstances or willing to complete a supporting statement for him. He has found one counsellor taking new patients, but there is a 6 week wait to be seen.

MSD is satisfied that Tyrone has taken reasonable steps to find a registered professional and nominates a third party to complete a supporting statement.