Celebrating those who care
Bernadine Mackenzie, Head of Child, Youth and Family
Foster Care Awareness Week gets underway on Sunday 1 March, and is a chance to celebrate the extraordinary contribution
of foster carers up and down the country.
This is an opportunity to recognise and thank the hundreds of carers who dedicate themselves to changing the lives of
this country’s most vulnerable children. Of the 4,000 foster carers Child, Youth and Family works with, close to half
are whānau carers.
Many foster children have come from harsh backgrounds, suffered neglect or abuse. Foster carers provide a safe haven,
support the children through challenging times, mark their achievements and demonstrate that the world is bright with
possibility.
“Along with the essentials of life – food, shelter, warmth and clothing – foster carers provide unconditional love and
stability. They are the cornerstone of the care team Child, Youth and Family wraps around each child,” said head of
Child, Youth and Family, Bernadine Mackenzie.
As part of the celebrations this week, Child, Youth and Family will be holding special events around the country,
including morning teas and family fun days. Contact your local Child, Youth and Family site office for more information.
This year, Foster Care Awareness Week will coincide with Children’s Day and will run 1 to 7 March.
Originally founded by Fostering Kids, associate members, including Child, Youth and Family, take the opportunity to
acknowledge and thank their foster carers with locally organized events and grass roots community activities, and raise
the profile of foster care.
Children’s Day is celebrated Sunday 1 March.
ENDS