Becoming a caregiver

Becoming a caregiver can be a big decision for you and your whānau. It’s a very important role which is why there are several steps. 

More in Caregiving

How long it takes to become a caregiver depends on several things. We'll support you along the way.

There are 5 steps to follow.

Open your heart and home. Become a caregiver.

Minister for Children Hon. Karen Chhour and Acting Oranga Tamariki Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman are calling on New Zealanders to become caregivers.

Transcript

Minister Chhour:

Hi there. I'm here with Oranga Tamariki’s Acting Chief Executive Andrew Bridgman.

We want to talk about a subject that is dear to my heart. We want to talk to you about one of the most important and meaningful things you can do to contribute to your community - becoming a caregiver.

Becoming a caregiver is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do. And you have no idea how much of a difference it makes to a young person.

Oranga Tamariki has improved the resources and guidance it provides to caregivers. And if you've been a caregiver in the past, we'd encourage you to think about becoming one again.

Andrew Bridgman:

Thank you Minister. Oranga Tamariki has made significant improvements to the support we give caregivers. These include updated information for people interested in becoming caregivers and new online courses and training.

Minister Chhour:

We've also made changes to the relevant caregiver policies and guidelines to ensure that safe and loving homes are prioritised over other considerations. There are children right here in our communities who need that care, that support and that sense of belonging.

If you can provide a safe, stable and caring home, please consider putting your hand up and becoming a caregiver.

Andrew Bridgman:

You can find out more on the Oranga Tamariki website or in the link below.

1. Enquiry

Complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you to talk about caregiving and answer any questions you have.

Enquire now

2. Making an application

To apply you must complete an application. We'll give you an application pack either in person or send it by email or post. You choose. 

If you have any questions or need support completing your application, just give us a call on

0508 CARERS (or 0508 227 377) - and select option 1 for caregiver enquires.

The application pack

This includes:

  • application forms
  • medical forms for your doctor to complete
  • a request for the names and details of 2 people to be referees
  • a request for 2 types of identification and consent to go ahead with Police vetting and searching our records for any existing information we may have
  • a request for 2 forms of identification for household members and regular visitors who are 18 years and older
  • authorisation forms, through which you, household members and visitors give consent for us to do the required formal checks, such as Police vetting and searching our records for any existing information.

When tamariki come into care, a caregiver social worker will be there to give their on-going support. At the outset, your caregiver social worker will work with you to develop a support plan to identify your needs and how we can best support you to care for the tamariki that are in your care.

3. Prepare to care and learning opportunities

We’re here to support caregiving whānau on their caregiving journey.

All caregivers have the opportunity to take part in the Prepare to Care programme, which is designed to help them begin their journey as a caregiver with confidence. The goal of the programme is to ensure you have the required support, an understanding of your role and are ready to support the tamariki in your care, in a way that is tailored to your needs.

Learning opportunities are a significant part of caregiver support and make a significant contribution to providing safe, stable, loving care for tamariki. Caregiver social workers will explore opportunities with caregivers to connect, share, learn and engage with professionals that could benefit their whānau to meet the needs of tamariki and maintain their own hauora.

4. Your assessment

A social worker from your nearest Oranga Tamariki office will get in touch to kōrero with you about your assessment and learning.

We also need to do an assessment of your household to ensure that tamariki will be in a safe, stable and loving home where their needs are responded to and their oranga nurtured.  

A social worker will meet you at home to talk over several things. These include: 

  • your experience and strengths
  • your ability to promote oranga
  • your ability to nurture different cultures
  • the safety of your home and vehicle
  • what support you might need as you provide care for tamariki.

5. Ready to care

We'll keep in touch throughout the process to let you know how your application is progressing. Once you have been assessed and completed the learning, we'll let you know if you have become an approved Oranga Tamariki caregiver.  

Published: February 14, 2023 · Updated: February 14, 2023

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