Fostering Change

Helping children and young people to achieve their full potential

What is foster care?

Mātua whāngai/foster carers offer temporary, safe, secure, and nurturing homes for mokopuna/children and young people in need.

Over time, most mokopuna reunite with their whānau. But others need a loving home until they are old enough to live independently.

“You build a relationship with the kids you’re looking after, and slowly but surely you start to see them change in positive ways.”

Don, Key Assets Foster Carer

Who Can Foster?

Our carers come from all walks of life.

Carers are united in their desire to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. We welcome carers of any gender, sexual identity, marital status, ethnicity, or cultural background. Foster caring is challenging, but deeply rewarding – so we offer comprehensive training and extensive, ongoing support.

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Our Approach

Great foster care experiences require a team.

We work collaboratively with our carers, Oranga Tamariki, and other professionals and services – like social workers, therapists, health professionals, educational professionals, respite carers, and cultural advisors. The child or young person’s whānau is also involved whenever possible. Our approach puts the individual needs of the child first, and ensures their voice is heard in the decisions that affect them.

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