Kia ora everyone,
Our thoughts are with everyone that has been affected by the recent weather events. We hope you are all able to access the type of support you need. If any of you find this situation has caused real tension/stress in your caring relationships while navigating these uncertain times, please contact Rob Surtees, our Therapist on 0800 693 323.
SUPPORT
Caring Families Aotearoa has been asked to help connect our caregivers with the ‘Children in Care Team’ from Ombudsman New Zealand. They want to chat with you so you know how you can use them and what the process is when you are unhappy with what has occurred with services, or are thinking of making a complaint. They will hold their first get-together in Wellington as part of Foster Care Awareness Week, and it will be good to see lots of our Wellington wide Caregivers there for some yummy dessert and connection time as well. Please read our Events section to register for this.
Stephanie James-Sadler
National Support Manager
0800 693 323
The Children in Care Team helps the Ombudsman deal with complaints about the Oranga Tamariki system and complaints arising under the new legislation, The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Bill and the Children and Young People’s Commission Bill. You can read more about this in the link below; https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-strengthens-oversight-children-state-care
They can support you by giving you advice and helping you to understand how the Ombudsman can assist to resolve or investigate your complaint. Investigators are trained and experienced in responding to and investigating complaints about Oranga Tamariki.
Over the past three years, the team has looked at nearly 1,000 complaints and other enquiries. The Ombudsman’s aim is to work on getting a fair outcome. To find out more read here – Children in care | Ombudsman New Zealand
TRAINING & LEARNING
We have a number of great online training options coming up in March, including:
- What’s behind the behaviour – Healing Centred Engagement: 2-3 March
- Making Changes – Stability in Hard Times: 7-8 March
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: 16th March and 28th March
- Ako Ngātahi – Helping your Child with Relationships: 22nd March and 23rd March
- Difficult Behaviours – Managing Confrontation and Intimidating Interactions: 27 – 29 March
To register please click below.
EVENTS
Foster Care Awareness Week is next week! If you don’t already know it, here at Caring Families Aotearoa, we think you do an AWESOME role in caring! Aotearoa is all the better because you care for and parent your tamariki and rangatahi and help them to reach their potential. A big THANKS for all that you do.
The Children in Care Team from Ombudsman New Zealand will be holding their first get together with caregivers, in Wellington on Tuesday 7th of March.
Bring your partner, if you can, as we’ll be celebrating you and the wonderful role you play in caring for the tamariki that have come to live with you. There will be some yummy treats as we connect together, and you can ask specific questions to the ‘Children in Care Team’ about your situation. I’ll be there and would love to connect with you. Thanks to the Wellington Family and Foster Care Group who are collaborating with Caring Families Aotearoa on the yummy treats!
When: Tuesday 7th March 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Where: Loaves & Fishes Room, 2 Hill Street, Corner of Hill & Molesworth Streets, Thorndon. (The venue is close to Parliament, easy access off the motorway and there’s parking close by too.
To register for this event please RSVP to stephaniejs@caringfamilies.org.nz and please include the names of all of those attending.
We will also have two events hosted by our Therapist, Rob Surtees. Bring the whanau along for some fun and games, great company and kai. Please see details below.
Levin BBQ: Thursday 9th March, 5.30pm – 7.30pm, Weraroa Domain, Levin, (Corner of MNako Mako Road & State Highway 1.)
Masterton BBQ: Friday 10th March, 6.00pm – 8.30pm, Henley Lake, Masterton, entrance off Te Ore Ore Road.
To register for the Levin or Masterton event please click below.
Please contact either Rob Surtees or me on 0800 693 323 if you’d like some support, wish to share your celebratory moments (we love to hear them!) or need a listening ear.
I hope to see lots of you from around the Wellington area on the 7th March.
Ka rawe ngā mahi, e hoa mā (you’re doing an awesome role).
Stephanie