Become a carer
Training and support
Training and support
One thing that sets Key Assets apart is the level of support we provide to our mātua whāngai/foster carers. Young people in care need confident and well-equipped mātua whāngai – so we offer extensive, tailor-made support.
The support we offer
- Access to Key Assets on call Support Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Home visits, including a monthly formal coaching and supervision session, regular telephone contact, and on-going support from a qualified and experienced Key Assets Kaiatawhai/Social Worker.
- Up to 20 nights of paid supportive respite per year.
- Financial support that values your skills as a matua whāngai and the costs of caring.
- Regular support group meetings with other mātua whāngai.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Support from a Youth Worker to help the mokopuna in your care work towards identified goals.
- An Education Advisor who can accompany you to school hui, and assist with education related tasks – like enrolments, stand downs, and communications with the Ministry of Education.
- Therapeutic support for you, as a matua whāngai – and assistance to understand a mokopuna’s behaviour through a trauma-informed lens.
“The good days outweigh the tough days, so keep at it. Draw on the tools and strategies you’ve got. Draw on support from Key Assets, from friends, from family - and just understand that you’re making a difference.”
Kathy, Key Assets Foster Carer
Carer training
Comprehensive training helps mātua whāngai feel confident, capable, and supported. As a Key Assets matua whāngai, you will take part in our on-going learning and development programmes.
These courses equip you with the skills, knowledge, and tools you’ll need to be a great matua whāngai. All our mātua whāngai complete a two day pre-assessment training programme as well as on-going, post-approval training. Our training teaches a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach to caring for mokopuna.
“Key Assets offer lots of advice when you’re training. If you’ve got any questions, they’re always there to help.”
Phylis, Key Assets Foster Carer
Want to know more?
Check out our FAQs