We work together with families, whānau and the wider community to ensure children are in safe, stable and loving homes.
It's best that children or tamariki stay at home safely, and we will work with parents, whānau, hapū and iwi to prevent children and young people or rangatahi from coming into our care. When this is not possible, we look to caregivers who are family, whānau or non-kin to provide a safe, stable and loving home for as long as needed. Our preference is for the wider whānau, hapū, iwi or a family group to become the caregivers to the child if they are able to meet their needs.
It’s also important that we have a team of non-kin caregivers or foster carers who can provide different types of care and meet a range of needs for children or tamariki. Could you offer a child your aroha and safety when they need it most?
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Who can be a caregiver?
We find and support the right caregivers to provide safe, stable, loving homes for children or tamariki and young people or rangatahi in need of care.
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Types of caregiving
Oranga Tamariki caregivers are made up of both family, whānau and non- whānau caregivers, and they all provide a range of care options for tamariki.
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Becoming a caregiver
Becoming a caregiver can be a big decision for you and your whānau or family. It’s a very important role which is why there are several steps.
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Financial help for caregivers
Caregivers have told us that people who look after children do it because they want to make a difference in a child’s life. To support this we provide financial help to meet the day-to-day expenses that looking after a child involves.
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Caregiving support and learning
We will give you practical support, along with the trust and flexibility you need to focus on providing quality care, love, and a sense of belonging to the children or tamariki and young people or rangatahi you care for.
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Caregiver stories
We interviewed some of our caregivers from around the country – to tell their story and why they chose to become caregivers.
Published: March 21, 2017 · Updated: June 2, 2022