Welcome to this New Zealand website for caregivers.
Children belong in families, and they have a right to live with their family/whanau and to be safe from harm. Sometimes, however, things go wrong. Caregiving aims to provide an appropriate family-like setting in which children can be nurtured.
Children and young people who are placed in care should have a positive experience. Our involvement should ensure individual needs and identities are respected and met. Children and young people's experiences in care should contribute to their overall sense of wellbeing.
We work to improve the care of fostered children and young people by developing caregivers. We offer training, publications, and access to national qualifications.
We hope this website helps you get an idea of the effect you could have on a child's life, and the importance of knowledge and skills in providing high quality care.
The impact you can have on the life of a child is immense, however some people may hesitate believing they are not special enough - they are wrong! The truth is that you only have to be special in the eyes of the child you care for. To do that you need the time, skills and support to make a child feel wanted, loved and an important part of your life for as long as they are in your care. You really can make a difference and change a child's life.
The contribution made by all carers is greatly valued and appreciated. The more caregivers we have, the more choices we can offer children and their families. Foster care can last for days, months or even, sometimes, years. Most children return home to their families but others may be fostered long-term, adopted, placed in residential care or are helped to move on to independent living.
Even if you decide caregiving is not for you, there are other ways you can help. Spread the message that carers are needed. Contact an agency and volunteer your assistance as a driver, administrator, etc.
We want to provide the best possible opportunities for caregivers to develop their ability. This in turn will improve the chances of children and young people developing personal and social skills. Ultimately you will help them to be more effective and happily in life as independent individuals. They will carry on to be parents themselves passing on your wisdom and care.