Become a
Foster Carer today
You can make a difference in one child’s life
Caregivers play a hugely important role for disabled children and young people who need a safe and loving home-away-from-home.
This care can range from short periods of time to more full-time or long-term care options. There are a number of different caregiving options. What will suit you best will depend on the needs of you and your family and whānau.
On this page:
“We have two beautiful children, but always felt we wanted more. The child we care for fits in like family. I can check in with CCS Disability Action whenever I have questions or need support. I feel so privileged to be able to provide a safe haven for someone who needs one. If you’re thinking about becoming a caregiver, do it!”
Short Term Care
Short term care, known as ‘respite’ care gives families some much needed break, while children enjoy new experiences and relationship in a safe stable environment. As a caregiver, your support plays an important part in keeping families connected for the long term.
Full Time & Long Term Care
Some children require a more full time or long term solution within a family home environment. Being the caregiver provides these children with a chance to be part of a family environment and to stay connected to important parts of their life including school, friends and local community.
Becoming a Foster Caregiver
Welcoming a child into your home is a big commitment. It can also be a deeply rewarding experience for you and your family and whānau. To help decide whether it is right for you, we encourage you to consider the following:
How flexible is your existing schedule?
What will be the impact on your existing family unit?
What level of care are you in a position to offer?
How much support do you have in your life?
Our role in supporting caregivers
CCS Disability Action can support people who provide care for children and young people by offering the following:
Working with potential caregivers to establish what type of care would work best for them.
Ensuring that all legal requirements are met and support is coordinated to ensure children receive high quality care.
Providing caregivers with excellent training, practical support and ongoing advocacy to ensure they are well equipped to handle any challenges.
Coordinating the disability-related supports, such as any required modifications or medical support needed for a child to thrive in their new environment.
If you’re interested in making a difference in a child’s life or would like more information, please get in touch today.
Enquire today
Emily Conway
Caregiver Recruitment Coordinator
CCS Disability Action, National Office
027 208 2496 or 0800 227 900
Emily.Conway
“Our role as caregivers has a profound effect on a young person’s life. By providing a nurturing environment and fostering their emotional and social development, we help them feel secure and valued. Supporting their daily needs through routine builds their confidence and independence for the time we won’t be with them. Just like any other young person, they need positive influences that shape their growth and development.”
Commonly asked questions about becoming a caregiver
Caregiving is a great option for a diverse range of people, all across Aotearoa. Find out answers to commonly asked questions below.
Who can become a foster caregiver for CCS Disability Action?
Anyone over the age of 20 who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident can apply to become a foster caregiver with CCS Disability Action. You don’t need to own your home, be married, or have children of your own. What matters most is your ability to provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for a disabled child.
Do I need experience caring for disabled children?
You do not need any experience caring for or working with disabled children to become a caregiver with us. All children have different needs and disabled children are no different. We can provide you with all the support - including any equipment, training and information - you might need. You simply need a willingness to make a difference for a child who needs a home-away-from-home. We can help with the rest!
What types of foster care could I offer?
There are several types of foster care that could be a good fit for you. This includes short-term care, long-term care, and respite care. Each type serves a different need. Talk to us about what you think might suit you best.
What support is available for foster caregivers?
Foster caregivers with CCS Disability Action are supported every step of the way! You will receive financial assistance to cover the costs of caring for a child. We can also support with any disability-specific modifications or equipment the child in your care might need. Additionally, CCS Disability Action provides comprehensive support and training to ensure you feel well equipped to care for the child in your care.
Will I have contact with the child’s family?
This depends on the specific situation and the child’s needs. In many cases, maintaining a connection with the child’s family is encouraged, and we work with Oranga Tamariki to ensure everyone’s safety.
What is the process to become a foster caregiver?
The process involves several steps, including an initial inquiry, attending information sessions with our team, completing an application, undergoing background checks, and participating in training. The goal is to ensure that you are well-prepared and supported in your role as a caregiver. This process also gives us time to build a relationship with you – the CCS Disability Action team are here to support you every step of the way, even once a child has been placed with you, so relationships are important.
Can I choose the age and gender of the child I foster?
While preferences can be discussed, the primary focus is on matching the needs of the child with the strengths and capabilities of the caregiver. Flexibility and openness to different placements is valued, but it’s important that any placement works well for everyone.
How long does it take to become a foster caregiver?
The process can take several months, depending on the completion of training, background checks, and home assessments. Patience is key, as the thorough process ensures the best outcomes for both the child and the caregiver.
What if I need a break or can no longer continue fostering?
Respite care is available to give caregivers a break when needed. If you find that you can no longer continue fostering, CCS Disability Action will work with you to transition the child to another suitable caregiver.
How can fostering impact my family?
We find many people underestimate how positive the experience is for them and what a significant impact a loving home away from home can make for a disabled child. Fostering can be a rewarding experience for the whole family, teaching empathy, patience, and resilience. However, it also requires adjustments and open communication within the family to ensure everyone is comfortable and supportive of the decision.
How do I get started?
You can start by contacting us or filling out an inquiry form. We will guide you through the next steps and provide all the necessary information to begin your journey as a foster caregiver. If you’re thinking about becoming a caregiver but you’re not completely sure if it’s the right fit for you, we would welcome the opportunity to have an informal chat.
“We have kept in contact with many of the children who were in our care. Many are adults now and some have their own children. They still regard us as being part of their family even though, for some, it’s been years since they were in our care. It means that our house is usually very full at Christmas and New Years!”
Common misconceptions about fostering disabled children
There are lots of reasons why people think they can’t foster a disabled child. Here we share the facts about some of the common myths we hear in our mahi.
You need to be married to foster.
Fact: Single people can also become foster caregivers. What matters most is your ability to provide a stable and loving environment.
You must own your home.
Fact: You don’t need to own your home to foster. Renters can also provide a safe and secure home for a child.
Only people without children can foster.
Fact: Families with biological children can also foster. In fact, having children can be beneficial as it provides a sense of normalcy and companionship for the foster child.
You need to be wealthy to foster.
Fact: Financial stability is important, but you don’t need to be wealthy. Foster caregivers receive financial support to help cover the costs of caring for a child.
LGBTQIA+ people cannot foster.
Fact: Sexual orientation or gender identity does not affect your ability to foster. LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples are welcome to apply.
You need to have experience in childcare.
Fact: While experience can be helpful, it is not a requirement. Training and support are provided to help you develop the necessary skills.
Older adults cannot foster.
Fact: There is no upper age limit for fostering. As long as you are physically and emotionally capable of caring for a child, you can foster.
Disabled people cannot foster.
Fact: Having an impairment does not automatically disqualify you from fostering. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure you can meet the child’s needs.
Foster children are too difficult to handle.
Fact: While some foster children may have experienced trauma, they are not inherently difficult. With the right support and training, foster caregivers can provide the stability and care these children need.
You have no say in which children you foster.
Fact: Foster caregivers can express preferences regarding the age, gender, and needs of the children they foster. We aim to create a match to ensure the best fit for both the child and the caregiver.