FAQs

What is the role of a foster carer?

To provide alternative care to meet the needs of a child or young person who is unable to live with their parents or usual caregiver, in an appropriate family-like setting.

How can I become a foster carer?

An extensive application process includes:

• a police check (any violence or sexual offending will lead to automatic exclusion, while other minor convictions will be considered on a case by case basis).
• several references
• an interview with CYF representatives or other agency staff (you will be asked ask about your own upbringing, any children you have, and what family support is available to you).
• completion of an induction course (12 hours).

For further information on this call NZFFCF on 0800 693 323 or your local Foster Care Association or CYF 0508 326 459 

Will I get Paid?

No, but you will receive financial assistance towards the costs of having a child in care. These rates vary depending on the age of the child from $114 to $163 per week (check with Agency for current rates); pocket money is included in this amount. In addition to this, a clothing allowance, along with Christmas and birthday allowances may be available. This is not classed as income for tax purposes.

My family is different, does it matter?

No, there is a huge variety of home and family environments reflecting the diversity of today’s families: from single parents, older parents and same sex parents. Where possible, social workers try to match to similar family, ethnic or religious backgrounds. But whether you are renting or owning your own home has no bearing. The key factor is your ability to provide a stable, safe and secure environment for children and young people and make a commitment to their care.

What is involved?

Caregiving involves working as part of a team; a team that is focused on the needs of the child or young person. As a caregiver, you’ll play an important and valued role in providing care and support; it’s important that you take on this responsibility knowing what you are committing to.

You do need to be aware that the child or young person may not have the same abilities, skills or interests as you. They may have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused, and have behavioural difficulties as a result. Looking after the child in your care may mean extra worries and work for your family, and it’s important to understand that achievements can be small and progress may be very slow.

Why do children come into care?

Children and young people may be placed with caregivers (family/whänau or non-family) when they need care and protection. Some young people may be placed with caregivers because of their offending. Others may be placed in care for health reasons or their high or complex needs.

What kind of care can I provide?

Emergency care

This occurs when a child is placed in care because of immediate risk. It may be a result of a warrant being used to uplift a child. Frequently, little background information is available on the child in such a case. Full information must be made available within three working days of the placement, and planning completed after the placement.

Respite care

This is short-term care designed to give parents or caregivers a break. It can be regular (e.g. one weekend a month) or occasional as the need arises.

Short term care

Short term care may be provided for assessment or “time out” reasons. This may be for 28 days on a temporary care agreement. If the parent or person usually caring for the child is unable to resume care at the end of the period, there may be an extension for one further period of up to 28 days.

Medium / long-term care

These are placements resulting from decisions made at a family group conference and the Family Court. A child or young person placed in care for an extended period of time will have the placement reviewed every six months (if under seven years old) or every year (for children aged seven to 16 years) by a family group conference review or in the Family Court.

Family/whānau care

This is when a child is placed in care of relatives; it can be formal or informal (see above). In the case of formal family/whānau care, the child may be placed by court order, agreement or decision of Family Group Conference. Usually in such cases, financial arrangements will also be made.

Permanent placement

To provide a sense of continuity for the child or young person, it is important to plan for permanency. A child or young person should be removed from temporary substitute care and returned to the care of their parent or parents, or usual caregiver, when their need for care and protection can be met.

If this cannot occur, then a permanent placement is made within their extended family/whānau. If this is not possible, a placement is made with an alternative family/whānau. The child or young person must be given the opportunity to develop a significant psychological attachment to the person who cares for them. These permanent placements are accompanied by a change in legal status.

How can you say goodbye?

Where possible the social worker will plan with both the caregiver and the child when the move is to be made. If the move is caused by crisis, it is still important for the social worker and the carer to plan the departure. Without this, emotional damage may be caused to both the child and the caregiver.

You could hold a goodbye celebration dinner, gathering the family together, serving the childs favorite meal, and perhaps giving them a small gift and/or their lifebook. Perhaps each person could make a wish or state a good quality that the person will be remembered for.

The point is to acknowledge that this is a time of change and to give a sense of passing. It’s OK to feel sad or be tearful for both carers and children.