The Government is considering setting up a single fund to distribute money to community and iwi groups which deal with troubled families.
But to get any money, the groups will have to demonstrate they can deal with all the issues families face.
Under present funding arrangements, community and iwi groups get grants from a range of government agencies to deal with health, educational and social issues.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wants that to change. Mrs Turia, who is also Associate Minister of Health and Social Development, wants the system to encourage greater co-operation between the providers of services.
