Becoming a Whānau Caregiver
with Reconnect Te Ope Pirita

How to Get Started

At Reconnect Te Ope Pirita, we believe in the importance of whānau-based care. We’ve created a unique approach to nurturing and strengthening these connections, known as, ‘Kei te kō te Kōmako’. A Whānau Caregiver is a relative (or otherwise considered whānau) who provides a safe, nurturing environment for a young person during their time in our Care & Therapy programme. If Oranga Tamariki identifies a suitable whānau member – who is not the biological parent of the young person – Reconnect Te Ope Pirita can guide and support them through the caregiver assessment process to become a Whānau Caregiver.

Once Oranga Tamariki has identified you as a suitable Whānau Caregiver, our Caregiver Coordinator will personally connect with you. They’ll walk you through the caregiver role, answer your questions, and go over the application process in detail.

What You’ll Need to Apply

To ensure a safe and supportive environment, Whānau Caregiver applicants must provide:

  • A completed application form
  • Police & Oranga Tamariki vetting checks
  • Two forms of ID
  • Two references
  • A medical report from your doctor
  • A home safety check

Additionally, all adults (18+) living in the home must undergo vetting checks, and a separate bedroom must be available for the young person.

Preparation Before a Young Person to Join Your Care

Once your application is complete, you’ll receive a Whānau Caregiver contract and begin preparation with:

  • Caregiver Induction – A one-day training session to help you get started.
  • CPI Intervention Training – A two-day ‘Crisis Prevention Institute Training’ to equip you with practical de-escalation skills.
  • Ongoing Support & Guidance – Our team prioritises delivering these trainings promptly so you’ll feel prepared every step of the way.

Support You’ll Receive as a Whānau Caregiver

We deeply value the role of Whānau Caregivers and ensure that you have the resources and support needed to provide the best care possible:

  • Financial Support – Weekly care allowance to cover food, power, and board, plus mileage reimbursements for school, meetings, or activities.
  • Fortnightly Supervision – Regular one-on-one check-ins with our Caregiver Coordinator (via phone, video, or in person) to support you through challenges.
  • Crisis Management Officer (CMO) – On-call crisis support available weekdays from 4 pm to 8 am, weekends and public holidays.
  • Respite Care – one weekend per month of respite care, allowing for a welldeserved break while the young person stays with another caregiver or whānau member.
  • Clinical Case Worker Support – A dedicated Clinical Case Worker provides guidance to caregivers and the wider whānau, particularly around behaviour management.
  • Care Forums – Monthly forums designed to offer valuable learning opportunities, updates, and peer support (compulsory for all Whānau Caregivers).
  • Training Opportunities – Ongoing training and development is available through Reconnect Te Ope Pirita. Whānau Caregivers are encouraged to register with Fostering Kids NZ for extra support and resources.
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