Foster Care Awareness Week: 2-8 November 2008

“Foster Care Awareness Week is a special opportunity to celebrate the work of the many ordinary Kiwis, who do extraordinary things by opening up their hearts and homes to young people in need,” says Ray Smith, head of Child, Youth and Family.

“Caregivers help turn around the lives of many of our country’s most vulnerable young people. They become their family, advocate, friend, trusted adult, and protector. They provide wisdom, boundaries, patience, and most of all love. It’s these everyday things that change our children and young people’s lives.

“This week is also a chance for us to acknowledge those who support foster parents in their work, particularly the New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation.

“We’re proud to support the Federation’s ‘Excellence in Foster Care Awards’, which will be given out later this week at a ceremony in Auckland. 

“The efforts of the winners are exemplified by carers James and Heather Tuhoro who have welcomed more than 360 children and young people into their family over the years.  Some have been short-term, emergency placements, while others have never left.

“This week is a double celebration for this special family.  Their 17-year-old foster son Jordan, who has been with them since he was 12, will receive a William Wallace Award later this week.   

“There are all sorts of ways that New Zealanders can become involved in fostering – ranging from short-term, emergency placements to permanent care.  To find our more about becoming a caregiver call 0508 FAMILY (0508 326459).”

Note to editors:

The Excellence in Foster Care Awards:

The Award ceremony will be held at the Crown Plaza in Auckland at 3.30pm on Friday 7 November.  Recipients receive $1500 towards tertiary study or a relevant conference, or a Mystery Break for two worth $1600.  As part of the Awards the winners will be treated to activities in Auckland, including a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s, dinner at Sky City, a night at the Crown Plaza, and a trip to Waiheke Island.

The New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation (NZFFCF) was established in 1976 to represent foster parents at a national level. Its mission is to provide informed, quality support to foster/kin/whanau carers so that children in care are nurtured and provided with alternative life choices.  For more information about the Excellence in Foster Care Awards contact:  Gaylene Lawrence, Executive Officer , New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation on 06 877 7481or 027 369 3323 or email nzffcf.eo@xtra.co.nz

The William Wallace Awards:

Nine young people in care will be presented with these Awards by Child, Youth and Family at a ceremony at Parliament on 6 November at 11.30am.  The Awards help the young people pursue their dreams of tertiary, vocational or leadership training. To find out more contact Ingrid Goodwin on 04 918 9101 or ingrid.goodwin001@cyf.govt.nz