He mana tō te tamaiti. He mea nui ngā wa katoa.
Fostering in NZ is more than just providing a roof over a child’s head. It plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in distressing situations. By offering a nurturing home environment, foster parents can help these children overcome their past challenges and achieve their full potential.
Mātua whāngai/foster carers look after mokopuna in their own homes. In most cases, mokopuna can be reunited with their whānau. When this isn’t possible, mātua whāngai may help prepare a mokopuna for independence.
“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
Carers are united in their desire to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. We welcome mātua whāngai 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.
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.