National Kowhaiwhai in green
National Kowhaiwhai in green
National Kowhaiwhai in green

Nau mai, haere mai.

Caregivers play a hugely important role for disabled children and young people who need a safe and loving home-away-from-home.

This information is for you, a caregiver for a tamariki or rangatahi we support. Here you will find policies and procedures specific to your role, the child in your care and other information we think you may find useful.

Thank you for taking on this important role.

Mel Smith, CCS Disability Action Chief Executive

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou,
tēnā koutou katoa

He aha te mea nui o te ao?
Māku e kī atu...
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata...
What is of most value in this world?
And I have learned...
It is people, it is people, it is people...

Caring for kids

Tamariki and rangatahi (children and young people) belong in families. They have a right to live with their family/whānau and to be safe from harm. 

When the young person is no longer able to live with their whānau (for whatever reason), Oranga Tamariki the Ministry of Children has a responsibility to ensure that the tamaiti/rangatahi (child/young person) is safe and nurtured. This is when you may be needed.

Tamariki and rangatahi who are taken into the care of Oranga Tamariki, or who can no longer be cared for by their family/whānau, have often experienced stress and trauma. They have also been separated from their family and placed in an unfamiliar environment. They need love, security, and a safe place. They need to be able to build trust and resilience with an adult who understands and can meet their needs. We have approved you as a caregiver because we believe you can provide this for a tamaiti/rangatahi. 

We hope the experience is enriching and rewarding not only for the tamaiti/rangatahi in your care but also for you and your family. We value you and we thank you for committing yourself to providing a caring and stable home for a tamaiti/rangatahi.

About the Caregiver Portal

The information in this portal is taken from our Caregivers manual: Oranga Tamariki services and has been written for you, a caregiver for a tamaiti/rangatahi we support. The manual contains information, policies, and procedures specific to your role and the child in your care and other information we think you may find useful.

Once you have read through this information, please sign and return this declaration to your Coordinator once you are done. Before signing, make sure that you have discussed any of your questions or concerns with your Coordinator. You can always ask us questions about this information. We also welcome your suggestions, on how to improve the information provided here!

Welcome and we look forward to working alongside you.