What if my child is in care?

The only time that a child is better living away from home is when they are not safe, or their behaviour is harming themselves or others.

If your child has been placed with us, we know it may be a worrying time for you. We want to work with you to do what's best for your child. Please ask us if you have any questions.

We want you to have all the information you need. We're here to help your child and you, so ask us if there is anything you don't understand.

"My social worker gave me heaps and heaps of support and I'm really proud I got my son back." Mother working with Child, Youth and Family

The only reason we will take your child away from home is for their safety and well-being. Having your child live away from home is always a last resort and will only happen if there is no other way to keep them safe.

As soon as possible, you'll be told why your child was taken into our care and what's going to happen. You will be able to give your views on what should happen to your child, as part of the Family Court process.

If your child is in our care, you will most likely have been to a family group conference and agreed that your child needs our help to be protected and kept safe.

In very serious situations, where the police or a social worker has good reason to believe that your child is in danger of harm, they can take your child into our care straight away. In this situation, they might not have time to talk to you about it first. In this case:

• a social worker or the police might get an order from the Family Court to take your child into our care to keep them safe; or
• if the police think that your child is in immediate danger of injury, they can take the child away without a court order.  This only happens in extreme situations.

When we say your child is in care, we mean that they are being looked after by Child, Youth and Family. We will do our best to keep them safe and protected, whether they are living with someone in your family or with other caregivers.

Whenever possible, what we want is for kids to be with their parents. We'll work with you to help you make the right choices so they can be safe, loved and protected with you.

Our goal is to work with you so that your child can be well cared for and safe in your home. If you are willing and able, we can work together to make the right changes to get your child safely back home.

While your child is in our care we will work with you to:

1. Keep them with your family - We will try and find extended family, whanau or a trusted friend who will take care of your child.
2. Find a safe and loving home -If no one in the extended family can help, there are special caregivers to care for and nurture your child. They'll take good care of your child until they can live at home again.
3. Ask you to make decisions for your child -We will hold a family group conference to make plans for your child's safety and care. You, your extended family, whānau, and others interested in what's best for your child are involved in making decisions.
4. Help you to get your children back home -We will help you to make positive changes so that your children will be safe and secure in your home. Talk to your social worker about the changes you need to make to get your child home. This may include going to programmes that help you change the way you care for your child, better manage life at home or live violence-free.

The family group conference or court plan will help you to see what needs to happen, what the timeframe is and who will help you.

If making changes isn't possible right now, we will make sure your children are with a caring and nurturing family. We will make sure you are involved in these kinds of decisions.

The most important thing to us is that your children are happy and safe. We want you to stay in touch, and we'll work out with you the best way for you to keep in contact with your child.