What does a caregiver do?

A caregiver is a trusted adult, friend, rolemodel, advocate and teacher. They can help heal hurt children, give them safe boundaries and build trust in others.  Caregivers change kids' lives.

"I see caregivers perform a thousand miracles for these kids every single day. It's when you're doing the dishes together and having a chat that their guards are going to come down. Life is therapy. Caregivers are the ones that do the work, they do the therapy and they do all the important stuff." Clinical psychologist Nigel Latta

Foster carers are part of a team committed to doing their best for our children and young people. You'll work with:

• The child's social worker:  You'll help implement a plan especially for the child or young person that will look at all their needs and the best way to help them.You'll stay in touch with the social worker and keep them updated on your child's behaviour, special needs, concerns and progress.
• The caregiver social worker: You'll also have your own social worker, whom you can talk to about any worries, and who is there to support you in your important role.
• Other professionals: Your child may have some special needs, and they may need a counsellor or extra support with things like learning.
• The child's family and whānau: Where possible, we'll work towards children being able to return to their family and make sure the family can stay in touch with their child while they're in your care.
• Your own family and whānau: Having a child in foster care will mean changes for you and your own children, so it's important they are part of making decisions about fostering.
  

You'll help your child achieve their goals.

The care plan
Your social worker will talk to you about a care plan for your child. This is a plan created especially for the child to help meet their needs, so that you can understand their behaviour and help them thrive in your care.

The child's family goals
Our main goal for all children who come into care is to see them safe and happy as part of a family. As soon as a child comes into our care, we'll begin working towards this goal. This may mean:

• the child returns home
• they live permanently with extended family or whānau
• they live permanently with a caregiver who isn't related to them
• if they are older, we may help them to start living independently, while providing them with family-like supports.