FAQ’s

What is Foster Care?

Sometimes, for various reasons, children and young people (tamariki and rangatahi) are not able to stay with their own family, and they are in need of a safe, stable and loving home. Fostering can be short or long term. Immerse work with everyone to find the best-matched homes, based on the needs of all involved.

Why foster with Immerse?

Approved Immerse Foster Parents receive: 

  • $450 non-taxable board payment per week

  • Other financial assistance

  • Training in trauma and ongoing TBRI® coaching support

  • Access to a registered psychologist

  • The StrategyBank parenting App

  • Ingage - Saturday programme for children in care

  • Ongoing professional development

Can a single person be a foster parent?

Absolutely! You don’t need to be in a relationship to apply to be a foster parent.

Can I still go to work and be a Foster Parent?

Yes, it is possible to continue working in paid employment while fostering.

Can I choose which age group or gender I would prefer to foster?

Yes, you can. Immerse will work with you to determine what the best match for your family will be. If you have children, we recommend that the child or young person coming into your home is younger than your youngest child.

Can I choose how long a child or young person stays with me?

It is not always possible to know how long a child or young person may need a safe home. We’ll work with you to assist with which type of fostering will suit you best and keep you informed along the way.

How long does the application process take?

From the initial application submission to the signing of the contract, the process takes approximately six to ten weeks.

Does Immerse work with Oranga Tamariki?

All child and young people (tamariki and rangatahi) in the care of Immerse have been placed by Oranga Tamariki - The Ministry for Children. Oranga Tamariki maintains legal responsibility for every tamaiti and rangatahi whāngai in New Zealand. Immerse works closely with Oranga Tamariki to ensure all foster parents (whānau or non-kin) are equipped to provide safe, stable, and loving homes for as long as needed.

What is the Foster parent application & approval process?

Step 1 — Contact Us

Register today and we will be in touch to talk with you further. Some of the answers to your questions may be explained here.

Step 2 — Complete Application Form

Ready to fill out an application form? Get in touch.

Step 3 — The Process

The Immerse commitment to children and youth in care means there is a stringent application process. But don’t worry, we will journey the process with you and guide your next steps as you make room for more. 

We have briefly outlined the safety checks taken below:

  • Police vetting and MSD checks on all members of your household aged 18 and over.

  • Medical check from your GP.

  • Physical environment check of your home.

  • Three written references per family, followed up by a phone interview.

  • Psychologist interview.

  • Family history overview and extensive interview/s.

Step 4 — Training and Approval

  • Complete four days of our trauma-responsive training.

  • Final approval granted.

  • Complete foster parent induction and paperwork.