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.

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 safety checks will you carry out on me and my household?

You will undergo a number of safety checks as part of the application process.
These include:

• Police vetting and Ministry of Social Development checks on all members of your household aged 18 and over.

• Medical check from your GP.

• Physical environment check.

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

• Psychometric evaluations in order for you to understand yourself better and for us to know how best to work with you.

• Family history overview and extensive interview.

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

Yes, it is possible to continue working. However this depends on your individual circumstances and the needs of the tamariki or rangatahi whāngai.

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.

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.

Why foster with Immerse?

Approved Immerse Foster Parents receive: 

• Training and ongoing support with TBRI®

• Access to TBRI® resources

• After hours phone support from our social work and coaching teams 

• Weekly board payments to cover costs for tamariki and rangatahi in your care 

• Professional development opportunities

• Foster parent events