Who to talk to for support

There are many people who can talk with for your caregiving support needs, questions or any concerns you may have.

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Your team

You are 1 of a team. Your team can support and help you to provide care. They are made up of all the people who surround a tamaiti to keep them safe and well, and all the significant people in their life.

Your team includes:

  • your caregiver social worker – available to support you and help you understand caregiving, they will be in touch regularly. They will also work with you to develop and update your Caregiver Support Plan and answer any queries you have about caregiving.
  • the child's social worker – every child in care has their own social worker who you will have a lot of contact with. They will work with you and the tamaiti to prepare them to come into your care and help make sure their goals and needs are met.
  • other professionals – these may be teachers, doctors and counsellors, youth workers, or people working for NGOs or in the community.
  • the child’s whānau – supporting child in care to stay connected with these people is a big part of caregiving.
  • your own whānau – your own whānau play a huge role in making a child in you care feel welcome and loved. It’s important they’re part of making decisions about providing care.

Support line

Having someone to kōrero with about the challenges you’re facing as a caregiver can make all the difference. That’s why we have a free Caregiver Support Line - 0508 CARERS (0508 227 377).

When calling, select option

  • 1 to enquire about becoming a caregiver
  • 2 if you are a current caregiver with Oranga Tamariki requiring support.

When you call 0508 CARERS you’ll be put through to your regular caregiver social worker. If they’re not available, another member of the Caregiver Recruitment and Support team in your region will respond and make sure you get the support you need.

You can also call the line after hours for urgent support.

The phone line is available nationwide.

Counselling support and advice

All Oranga Tamariki caregivers can access the Caregiver Assistance Programme. This means you’re entitled to free, confidential counselling and advice from trained counsellors through a trusted provider called TELUS Health.

You can use this to get support in your role as a caregiver or for personal issues.

Support is available face-to-face, over the phone, or via email or online. Māori and Pacific practitioners and Rongoā Māori are also available.

You can self-refer for up to 3 free sessions every year. More can be arranged if you need them.

Access this service by:

If you have any questions, contact your caregiver social worker for a confidential chat.

Support groups

There are various support groups where you can get together with other caregivers to share your experiences and kōrero with others who understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving:

The Permanent Caregiver Support Service is available for a number of permanent caregivers. Find out if you are eligible on their website.

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