Caregiver recruitment campaign 'off to positive start'

A Child, Youth and Family recruitment drive for more caregivers is "off to a positive start and beginning to produce some good results on which the Department can build, " says Programme Manager Care, Wendy Penhearow.

Since the recruitment drive was launched last November during Foster Care Awareness Week, the Department's sites have sent out 341 packs. Of the 114 returned, 28 have led to approved caregivers who have now joined the Department, 10 have been declined and a further 76 are currently being assessed for suitability.

"The high ratio of returned application packs has been partly attributed to speedy follow-ups by the Department's sites, particularly given that part of the campaign ran during the Christmas and New Year holiday period," says Ms Penhearow.

"The intention is to complete the remaining assessments as quickly and thoroughly as possible so further caregivers can come on board."

The assessment process can take up to two months and involves providing photographic proof of identity, a police check, a medical report, reference checks and two interviews, one within the home.

The Department will conduct a full evaluation of the campaign in May after its flow-on effects are more evident.

Children and young people come into care for two main reasons: either for care and protection reasons when they have been abused, neglected or when parents, for a number of reasons, can no longer safely care for their children; or for youth justice reasons. Child, Youth and Family tries to place them with family/whanau if possible but looks outside the family if not.

Child, Youth and Family's campaign focuses on finding caregivers outside the family, although highlighting their work could lead to a greater number of kin carers coming forward.

"We still need to recruit more caregivers to build up a sizable pool to help the department get the best match for children needing placement. We particularly need caregivers to look after teenagers," said Ms Penhearow.

From 1 April, an increase in the Foster Care Allowance means a rise of $15 per week per child for the Department's caregivers.