It is unclear if the 60 North Otago families once served by a government-funded and Plunket-resourced programme aimed at helping low-risk families are still getting help.
Government funding for the Parents as First Teachers (Paft) programme was pulled in September, in favour of the Family Start programme.
At the time the announcement was made, Family Start did not operate in North Otago and 60 families in the area accessed Paft.
Ministry of Social Development spokesman Peter Galvin said in an emailed statement this week the Family Start service in North Otago was yet to become fully operational.
He was unable to say how many Paft families were moved to the Family Start programme, but said the majority of Paft families had left that service by August. Those remaining were referred to other services where "deemed appropriate".
"Only high-need Paft families were referred to Family Start."
Anglican Family Care was awarded the Family Start funding for the Waitaki area.
It had staff in Oamaru, sharing an office with Child, Youth and Family.
"We are confident that North Otago continues to be well served by family support services," Mr Galvin said.
