Caregivers - Foster Care

Become a Foster Caregiver with Barnardos

Could you open your heart and home to tamariki and rangatahi?

Barnardos Foster Care is looking for people in Auckland who can welcome tamariki and rangatahi into their home and walk alongside them during a time when they need extra support.

There is a real and ongoing need for foster caregivers in our communities. Caregivers play an important role in the wider village around tamariki and rangatahi, showing up with patience, kindness and steady support while helping them stay connected, build on their strengths and continue to grow.
Caregiving can look different for different people and whānau. You may be able to offer regular respite care, short-term care, emergency care, or a more ongoing caregiving arrangement. We are keen to hear from people who can open their home and walk alongside tamariki and rangatahi with patience, care and aroha.

Please note: to be considered for this role, applicants must be either a New Zealand Citizen or hold New Zealand Permanent Residency

About Barnardos Foster Care
Barnardos Foster Care supports tamariki and rangatahi in care by working alongside caregivers, whānau, Oranga Tamariki and other professionals.

Foster care is about much more than providing a place to stay. It is about creating everyday moments of care, encouragement, fun and connection. It is about being part of the wider village around tamariki and rangatahi, supporting them to build confidence, maintain important relationships, and have opportunities to grow and thrive.

You do not need to have a “perfect” home or fit one type of family structure. Barnardos welcomes enquiries from people from all walks of life, cultures, ethnicities and family forms.

What kind of care could I provide?
We are currently looking for caregivers who may be able to provide:

• Respite care – planned, temporary care that gives tamariki another caring place to stay and supports their main caregiving arrangement
• Short-term care – care while longer-term plans are being worked through
• Emergency or immediate care – care at short notice when this is needed
• Transitional care – a more ongoing caregiving arrangement

We will talk with you about what type of care could fit your life, home, availability and support network.

This may be right for you if you:

• can provide a caring, nurturing and responsive home
• have time, energy and emotional availability
• are patient, flexible and able to stay calm when things are hard
• are open to learning, reflection, training and ongoing support
• can work as part of a wider team around tamariki and rangatahi
• are willing to take part in the caregiver assessment, approval and review process
• can complete required safety checks, including checks for adults living in the home

Most of all, we are looking for people who genuinely care about tamariki and rangatahi and want to make a meaningful difference.

Support from Barnardos
You will not be doing this alone. Barnardos provides:

• an allocated foster care social worker
• access to 24/7 support from the Foster Care team
• caregiver training and ongoing learning opportunities
• support, guidance and resources
• a fortnightly board payment to help cover the day-to-day costs of caregiving
• regular check-ins and reviews

How to apply

If you are interested in becoming a Barnardos foster caregiver, click on the link below 

Please get in touch with the Barnardos Foster Care team to find out more, ask questions or begin the enquiry process.
Email: aucklandfostercare@barnardos.org.nz