Caring Families Aotearoa is here to support families who open their homes and hearts to tamariki (children) and rangitahi (young people) in need of care and protection.
We provide training, encouragement, advocacy, information and support to caregiver families, throughout New Zealand, so that the placement has the best possible chance of success.
Every care journey is different. There will be ups and downs, detours and snags - we don't have one road map for all. What we do have is over 40 years of experience which we share with caregivers and our practice is passed on the latest research for tamariki and rangitahi who have not had the best start in life, for whatever reason. Every journey is different, but our goal is always the same: the best outcome for kids in care.
Our training and learning opportunities help you in your caregiving role. You have one of the most important jobs in New Zealand – providing homes that heal. Our training is designed to enable and equip you with the knowledge you need to help your tamariki thrive. Through our partnership with the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, we deliver the National Caregiver Training Programme (NCTP) throughout Aotearoa. We also facilitate discussion sessions and many more learning opportunities.
At a deeper level we deliver our LIFT programme. This is a therapeutic model informed by Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) using an attitude of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). This model is very effective for children who have relationship difficulties; especially children who have experienced attachment problems, trauma, loss and/or separation.