A children's welfare organisation with links to Central Otago has emerged as the main provider to take over from Relationships Aotearoa.
RA closed its doors two weeks ago, and today is the last day for staff.
Its abrupt closure came after a break-down in talks with the Government.
The Ministry of Social Development said half of RA's clinical staff had contacted Stand Children's Services since Friday wanting to join the organisation.
Stand runs the Children's Village in Roxburgh.
Another counselling service, Vitae, could ''take on any RA contractors wishing to continue with their clients'', MSD deputy chief executive Murray Edridge said in a statement yesterday.
Earlier, Presbyterian Support Otago looked set to take on some of RA's work after its national Family Works division was named as one of five organisations secured at short notice, but that has not happened.
''Barnardos and Family Works, while not actively involved at this stage, remain on hand if needed.
''I'm urging RA to work with Stand so that clients can remain connected with those counsellors transferring to Stand.
''The Privacy Commissioner has indicated that it is a straightforward exercise for Stand to take over the client files,'' Mr Edridge said.
Annual funding for RA of $4.7 million was available for counselling services.
An MSD spokesman said yesterday it was too early to provide region-specific detail in respect of how the service will work in Otago and Southland.
Four RA staff work in Dunedin at the London St base, and seven contractors provide RA counselling services in the South.
Stand Children's Services chief executive Dr Fiona Inkpen said the organisation hoped to use existing RA facilities.
''We are still working through the details of the transition and currently working through the process of contacting RA clinical staff about the new employment opportunity with Stand.
''We hope to finalise details as soon as possible and will provide more information when we can,'' Dr Inkpen said.
Lifeline was the contact for people needing urgent assistance, on 0800 543 354.
