Strengthening caregiver experiences

In October 2024, we held a survey for caregivers. We run this each year to better understand our caregivers and their needs.

This is a second report on the survey’s findings. It is focused on the practical needs of caregivers to provide safe and stable care.

Our 2024 survey finds that caregivers are committed. But they have told us that they need consistent, reliable support. 

Most of the tools they need are already available. The challenge is to ensure they are delivered well, every time. If we can address the gaps noted below, it will improve the outcomes for both caregivers and tamariki in their care:

• Those caregiving for the first time often do not feel prepared during emergency placements. Many do not have timely information about the child’s needs. This includes what they are entitled to. Some are left to cover costs upfront without immediate support.
  
  
• Top areas for concern for caregivers are the emotional wellbeing, behavioural needs, and learning support for the child.
  
  
• Use of tools we provide such as our Support Plan and the All About Me Plan is inconsistent. One-third of caregivers reported having no formal plan, and awareness is lower among whānau caregivers. Financial support processes are often unclear.
  
  
• Access to respite is limited. Some of the barriers to access are caused by approval delays, a lack of carers, and some find the system to gain access is difficult to navigate.
  
  
• Caregiver social workers are generally well-rated. But support from the child’s social worker can be varied.
  
  
• We need to review what training we can offer and how we support transition from care. Caregivers want more accessible, in-person training. They want to be trained in how to support to behaviour, trauma, and disability.

We plan to present our caregiver findings at a public cross-government seminar in late July. We will also start to plan and prepare for our next annual caregiver satisfaction survey. We plan to run the survey in October 2025.