It's best that children stay at home safely, and we will work with parents, whānau, hapū and iwi to prevent children and young people 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 tamariki. Could you offer a child your aroha and safety when they need it most?
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Who can care?
We find and support the right caregivers to provide safe, stable, loving homes for children and young people in need of care.
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Types of caregiving
There are lots of ways you can help care for tamariki who need it. Our caregivers are made up of both family, whānau and non-kin 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. It’s a hugely important role which is why there are several steps.
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Financial help
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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Support and learning
We will give you practical support, along with the trust and flexibility you need to focus on the job of providing quality care, love, and a sense of belonging to the child or children and young people you care for.
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Caregiver stories
Just as every child is different, so too are our caregivers. There’s no ‘right’ way to care for tamariki.
Published: March 21, 2017 · Updated: December 22, 2020
