Who can care?
Our caregivers come from many walks of life, and have a diverse range of experience and backgrounds.
We welcome caregivers of any gender, marital status and cultural or religious identity.
Caring for Someone
It's best that children stay at home safely, and we will work with parents, whānau, hapu 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, hapu, 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?
Types of caregiving
There are lots of ways you can help care for tamariki. Caregiving or adopting aren't the only options available.
Some ways to care may be more suitable than others depending on your circumstances.
Becoming a caregiver
This can be a big decision for you and your family.
And because it is also a hugely important role, there are several steps to take - with our support.
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.
Support and training
There's support and training available to all caregivers to help you to know what to do, and who to talk to when you need help.
We’re working on how to support caregivers better and in time this will grow.
Caregiver stories
Just as every child is different, so too are our caregivers. There is no 'right' way to care for tamariki.
The rewards are great – just so long as you have aroha, patience and a desire to learn.
Recognising achievement
Everyday ordinary foster carers, children and young people do extraordinary things.
A number of awards recognise these achievements, both great and small.