4 November 2004

Caregivers Recognised By Auckland’s New Mayor

Auckland’s new mayor, Dick Hubbard, used Foster Care Awareness Week as the opportunity to host a morning tea today (4 November) for Child, Youth and Family’s Auckland caregivers.

Speaking at one of his first civic receptions since being elected Mayor, Dick Hubbard praise the contribution caregivers or foster parents make to children, families and the community, saying: “Today is a great opportunity to salute you and thank you for all the work you are doing in the community with families. I understand there are nearly 5000 children and young people currently in foster care in New Zealand. Many of those live in Auckland. My vision for Auckland is to ensure that it is a safe, vibrant and dynamic city for our young people. We must create an environment where young people can thrive and prosper and I will do my best as Mayor to ensure we look after all people who are particularly vulnerable in our city – that includes children and young people.”

Earlier this week, Child, Youth and Family launched its largest ever caregiver recruitment campaign with the slogan ‘Small Things Can Change Everything’.

Child, Youth and Family aims to recruit around 300 caregivers for its 29 sites around the country. It is seeking emergency, respite, short-term and longer-term caregivers as well as those willing to run a Family Home or take on permanent guardianship of a child or young person in care.

Graeme Vincent, manager of Child, Youth and Family’s Manurewa office said: “In Auckland we need all types of caregivers, in particular those willing to be permanent caregivers for boys and male adolescents aged 9-14 years.”

ENDS

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