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A Family Home is a large house that is owned, furnished and maintained by Child, Youth and Family for children and young people who are in need of care and protection or who have offended (or are alleged to have offended). The homes usually cater for up to six children and young people aged from 0–16 years. Family Homes are generally on a large, residential section and are occupied rent-free by approved and trained caregivers. These caregivers are volunteers who receive board payments and other financial help to assist them in the care of the children and young people in the Family Home. There are about 50 Family Homes in New Zealand.
In deciding when and where to place children and young people, the preference is always to place them with a caregiver in the caregiver’s own home if they cannot go to a family or whanau member. This more closely provides a family environment. However, there are times when because of special circumstances children or young people need to be placed in Family Homes. This may be because emergency care is needed or a young person has very difficult behaviour problems.
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The role of the Family Home caregiver
Family Home caregivers are involved, as part of a team including a social worker, in meeting the physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioural needs of the children and young people in their care. Since Family Homes cater for a wide range of age groups, all with different needs, you need to possess a range of skills to fulfil this role.
With the support of a social worker, and when appropriate, caregivers play an important role in encouraging a child or young person to maintain an awareness of their own family or whanau. This may include helping them to work towards an improved relationship with their parents or usual caregivers, ultimately achieving a safe return home.
Family Home caregivers sometimes also need to provide a temporary parenting or caregiving role for children and young people in emergency situations.
Although the advice of a social worker is available, both for help in specific difficult incidents and for general support, caregivers are encouraged to use their own initiative in the normal day-to-day decision-making of the Family Home.
Many family home caregivers are also involved in the training and support of new caregivers by sharing their knowledge and skills.
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Services 
