Your voice
When you might want support
Sometimes it can be hard to understand what's happening or how you're feeling about a situation. You might want support to make sense of things, ask questions, and make sure the adults involved hear and understand your perspective.
There may be times when a decision is made that you don't agree with. You might want to know why it was made, whether it can be reviewed, or how to share how it has affected you. If something feels unfair, doesn't seem right, or makes you feel unsafe, you don't have to figure it out on your own. A Kaiwhakamana can support you to understand your options and decide what to do next.
What is a Kaiwhakamana?
A Kaiwhakamana is your advocate and supporter. We are here to help you share your thoughts, understand your options, and make sure your voice is heard.
Whether it's seeing your siblings, getting pocket money, contacting your social worker, attending hui, or preparing for the future when you leave care, we can help you navigate what's happening and make sure your views are considered.
Your time with your Kaiwhakamana is about what matters to you. You choose where you meet, what you talk about, and how you spend your time together. You're in charge.
Whatever kind of care you are in
The kinds of care we work across
A Kaiwhakamana can support you whatever your situation looks like. These are the kinds of care tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa are usually in.
Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents, but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.
Foster care is where children and young people who can't live with their families are looked after by caregivers they're not related to. Foster care can be short-term or long-term, and usually involves Oranga Tamariki or a community foster care provider.
Group homes and residences have staff who should be trained to work with groups of young people whose needs are best looked after in a residential setting. These placements are usually temporary and should give young people more structure and supervision than they might get in other types of care.
The youth justice system in Aotearoa is set up to deal with children aged 10 to 13 and young people aged 14 to 18 who have done something illegal. Being in the custody of the Police, Oranga Tamariki or Corrections as a young person is a form of care, whether it's in Police cells, a community remand home, a youth justice secure residence, or an adult prison.
Permanent care is when foster or whānau caregivers apply for Guardianship Orders under the Care of Children Act 2004. This is sometimes called 'Home for Life' or 'Permanency', and means caregivers are committing to taking care of a child permanently.
There are a few ways young people leave care. Sometimes a young person is supported to return home after spending time in care. Sometimes a young person leaves care to live independently before they are an adult. Sometimes a young person 'ages out' of being in care when they turn 18 years.
In their words
Examples of Whakamana Work
What happens next