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Contents

Introduction……………………….…………….. 3

Chairperson’s Report………………..………. 4

Chief Executive’s Report………….….…….. 5

Vision, Mission & Values…………….….…. 6

Strategic Direction………………….…….….. 7

Critical Support Programme………….….. 8

Training Programme……………………..….. 9

Regional Support………………………….…. 9

Highlights…………………………………....... 10

Associations……………………………….….. 11

Financial Statements………………….…… 12

Our Team…………………………….………… 20

Fostering Kids is registered as New Zealand Family and Foster Care Federation

as-

An incorporated Charitable Trust

Exempt from income tax

Registered Charity CC25139

Donations to Fostering Kids are tax deductible to the supporter

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Fostering Kids is the voice of Fostering families in New Zealand.

Set up in 1976 by a group of foster carers who recognized the

importance of working together toward positive outcomes for

children in care.

Fostering Kids is the only national organization contracted to pro-

vide services to all those caring for children not biologically their

own. This includes Grandparents raising grandchildren, Whanau/

Kin carers and those providing a Home for Life.

As such we are uniquely placed to represent the views and con-

cerns of all those involved in foster care. We do this through

training, advice, advocacy, policy development, information, pub-

lications, individual projects and support services.

We also strive to inform, influence and persuade policy-makers

and to improve public understanding of foster care.

Fostering a brighter future

for vulnerable children through people

who care

Fostering Kids Annual Report 2013

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The Board wishes to acknowledge the wonderful staff we have. There are 17 paid staff and over 100 volunteers. These are the people who continue to provide support, assistance and training for our caregivers.

The Board is extremely pleased to welcome Dr Nicola Atwool. Nicola brings her vast experience to our Board. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Otago. Also Nicola spent six years as a principal advisor in the office of the Children’s Commissioner. Nicola has profes-sional qualifications in social work and adolescent psychotherapy.

At this point it is appropriate for me to pay tribute to your Board members.

These wonderful people give their time freely and spend many hours setting the direction of Fostering Kids. There is a wealth of experience and expertise in this Board including current caregivers.

I could not finish my report without acknowledging the enormous contribution of our CEO Linda Surtees. Linda has amazing energy and drive and has built a very strong culture within Fostering Kids. It has been a pleasure personally to work with Linda.

Before I sign off I just want to acknowledge all you wonderful caregivers out there. I want to thank you for all your hard work, dedication to the cause and of course for the loving stable homes that you provide to our children in need. Without you and your support this organisation would not be the force it is and we are very grateful for everything that you do. Keep up the good work.

Colin Hardgrave

Board Chairperson

Our Board

Colin Hardgrave (CHAIR) Central North Rep

Edwina Poynton (VICE CHAIR) NGO Rep

Diana Halsted Financial Specialist

Peter Edmonds Cultural Advisor

Dr Nicola Atwool Sector Specialist

David Broderick Lower North Representative

Liz Tere Tai Upper North Representative

Janice Purchase Lower South Representative

Racquel Lewis Upper South Representative

Chairperson’s Report

This had been a very good year for our charity.

The organisation continues to grow and over the last twelve months we have been averaging ap-proximately 50 new members each week.

To support this growth the Board and your CEO Linda Surtees are aware of the need to carefully assess work levels of our staff. Where it is neces-sary, staff will be employed and this year’s sur-plus provides us with the means to do this.

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Chief Executive’s Message

We are pleased to report another successful year at Fostering Kids New Zealand with continued growth in

membership numbers and increased delivery of our training and support services.

With the ongoing generosity of our wonderful supporters we have delivered another surplus this financial year.

This has enabled us to meet our Reserves Policy, providing the organisation with a secure base and allowing us

to continue to grow our services to meet demand. We are also able to deliver an increased level of support to

our members and Fostering Kids Associations.

It has been a busy year for our organisation with many milestones passed. One that we are most pleased with is

there have now been over 200 children receive new bicycles through Elevate Events. A huge thank you to

Elevate and all of those who have supported this fantastic event.

We were also privileged to share an amazing two days with L’Oreal who every year provide inspiration and moti-

vation for 50 young people transitioning from care to independence. This event is growing year by year and has

gained incredible support from high profile celebrities keen to be involved.

In partnership with Child, Youth and Family we celebrated some wonderful caregivers receiving an Excellence in

Fostercare Award in November 2013. Once again we celebrated in style at Government House with the support

of our Patron, The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.

This year has seen some exciting changes for the care sector including changes to the funding structure for care-

givers and the introduction of a National Manager of Care in Child, Youth and Family. We have seen new initia-

tives in additional financial support for children cared for through the Unsupported Child Benefit or Orphans

Benefit. I believe this is just the beginning of positive change for the care sector.

We enjoy some fantastic relationships with our Agency members and Child, Youth and Family. Together we are

making great progress in building a brighter future for children and caregivers.

Fostering Kids has a strong board who have gifted a great deal of their time and expertise to our organisation.

We are very fortunate to be led by a board of highly knowledgeable and skilled people, passionate about care in

New Zealand. We also thank Sir David Carruthers for his long standing, valuable support as Fostering Kids Pa-

tron.

Our team of dedicated and caring people work tirelessly to deliver support, training and information through-

out New Zealand. Their passion and commitment is inspirational and I am incredibly grateful for their support.

We welcome Stephanie James-Sadler to the new role of Support Manager, providing leadership and support to

the Regional Coordinators. Stephanie has a wealth of skills and experience and we are very excited to have her

on our team.

I have absolute admiration and gratitude to our volunteers who provide incredible support to members. We

have approximately 22 Critical Support Workers and 90 Association Key people providing much needed peer

support and guidance.

On behalf of our entire Fostering Kids team, I would like thank our wonderful members

for their passion and commitment to children in care. You alter lives and futures,

offering hope and stability to our most deserving children and young people.

We look forward to next year and the positive change it promises.

Kind Regards

Linda Surtees

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Vision

Every Fostering Family is empowered, supported and trained to provide

a safe and nurturing home

Mission

To strengthen Fostering Families by providing quality

Support– emotional and physical

Training and Learning Opportunities

Information

Advocacy

Innovation

Lobbying

Guiding Principles

WE BELIEVE

The best interests of the child are of paramount importance

In focusing on the well being of Fostering families

In a collaborative approach to quality Foster care

In consulting with members and supporting them

In working with integrity and respect

In promoting excellence and professionalism

In the value of team work

In recognizing the diversity of culture, tradition and individuals

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Our Strategic Direction for 2013-2016

Empowerment and Support of Members and their Families

Engage with Stakeholders and Partners

Promote and Develop Professional Carer Training

Sustainable Financial Viability

Effective Professional Communication and Publicity

Committed to results

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Critical Support

Critical Support Team (Volunteers)

The year has gone so fast, it only seems like yesterday that I started in this role, since then there has been a change in

the law and changes in the Children and Young Persons and their Families Act.

Once again I acknowledge the tireless and wonderful work of the Critical Support Workers.

We will continue working as a team supporting caregivers with the hope of helping to keep placements stable for chil-

dren in care.

The feedback received from caregivers that have used our support service has been positive and appreciated.

Thanks again to the support team for the generous time you give to Fostering Kids, for your sense of humour, patience,

empathy and listening skills that you have and give to others.

Caregivers tell me the support person listened and that’s what I needed to hear.

I am looking forward to another year working together and achieving so much for children in care.

The greatest joys in life are found not only in what we do and feel, but also in

our quiet hopes and labours for others.” ― Bryant McGill, Voice of Reason

Maureen Roche

Critical Support Manager

Barbara Allan Justine Keen

Billie Galloway Linda Bradley

Colin Hardgrave Pauline Rangitutia

Debbie Paki Robyn Allison

Denise Gibson Val Marsters

Frances Ross Wayne Marshall

Gillian Lynch Wayne Smith

Gwenda Swinney Fransisca Fitzell

Heather Tuhoro Racquel Lewis

Jan Halliday Judy Williams

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Regional Support This year our Regional Co-ordinator team has been continuing to support members, associations and support groups across the country. We have celebrated assisting newly formed associations and support groups. Establishing new links and maintaining relationships with agencies working with carers continue to be important parts of our role. The increase in our membership provides opportunities for us to reach more carers by offering our support and regional events for them to attend, learn and meet other carers. Wanting to encourage, assist and empower carers in the wonderful work they do is the key motiva-tor for our team to continue our vision. The recent addition of our Support Manager, who manages our Regional Co-ordinators Team, will help co-ordinate all of what we do in the many parts of our role and in interweaving new goals for the future in meeting the needs of carers.

A special thanks to the team for the ongoing support role they undertake and for also welcoming me to the fold.

Stephanie James-Sadler, Support Manager

Training Report During the last 12 month period there have been a total of 189 workshops delivered to 1988 participants. The pre-vious year 192 workshops were delivered to 1825 participants, which shows a continuing increase in demand.

We have:

Surveyed members to gain clear data on their preferences for our future direction for training Contributed to a review of the three core National Caregiver Training Engaged in the consultation and revision of the NZQA whanau/kin and family care qualifications Completed 32 follow up phone evaluations 3-4 months following attendance to monitor the learning outcomes Researched, developed and are currently testing 6 “discussion sessions” which offer alternative 90-120 min

learning opportunities for carers who are currently unable to attend the current one day workshops. Feedback – From Carers A useful, informative and well presented workshop

All good, facilitator talks from the heart

Comprehensive learning material, which I will be able to use in my work

Not only do I obtain helpful hints, tips and tricks (as I call them) I get to meet a network like no other, whose real life experiences are invaluable

Fostering Kids has now completed two years administering and delivering the National Caregiver Training Pro-gramme. With support from the many Care Agencies, Child Youth & Family staff and our fabulous training team, together we have made a difference to the many carers who have attended the workshops and taken on board that one little piece of information or new tool that has made a positive change, to a child in their care. Gaylene Lawrence, Training Manager

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Highlights

Joint Conference with SSPA held in Auckland with over 300 in attendance

Increased budget for support to Association Membership

Continued participation in Children’s Action Plan Reference Group

Approximately 1988 people received caregiver training through 189 NCTP Workshops

Solid financial support from generous supporters

Membership growth averaging 52 new members per month

Welcomed another 6 Associations providing a total of 35 throughout NZ

Participation in review of Child, Youth and Family Service Delivery (Modernisation)

Regional Hui held in Dunedin, Wairarapa and Christchurch

Increased activity in our Facebook Pages

Welcomed Dr Nicola Atwool to the Board

Solid financial performance provides for increased service and Reserves Policy met

Participation in the new financial support for caregivers receiving UCB/ Orphans Benefit

Milestone passed of over 200 children receiving new bikes through Elevate Events

6th L’Oreal Face Your Future workshop where 40 teenagers were motivated and encouraged

19 wonderful caregivers received Excellence Awards in partnership with CYF

Iwi Social Services Hui held in Bay of Plenty

Welcomed Rebecca Barson to the new position of National Man-

ager of Care, CYF

Participation in the review of care allowance payment

Trial of information modules to provide alternative training

through Associations

3 year contract signed with MSD for delivery of caregiver sup-

port and training

Launch of new Association, Cloud based system for information

sharing and communication

Increased numbers of caregivers accessing Critical Support ser-

vices and Regional Support

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Fostering Kids Associations

Aoraki Family Care Association Cave

Ashburton Foster Care Support Group Ashburton

Awhi Tamariki Caring for kids Marlborough Foster Care Association Blenheim

Bay of Plenty Foster Care Association Papamoa

Central Otago Caregivers Support Association Mataura

Christchurch Family and Foster Care Association Inc Christchurch

Dunedin Foster Care Support Group Dunedin

Fiordland Foster Care Support Invercargill

Foster Care Association Auckland Incorporated (FCAA) Manukau

Foster Care North Shore Association Albany

Franklin Foster Care Association Pukekohe

Gore Foster Parent Support Group Gore

Hawkes Bay Foster Care Association Hastings

Kaitaia Foster Care Network Upper North

Kapiti Foster Care Support Group Waikanae

Manawatu Foster Care Association Inc Feilding

Nelson / Tasman Association Richmond

North Otago Foster Care Association Oamaru

Otautahi Foster Care Association Christchurch

Porirua Unique Foster Carers Porirua

Rotorua Foster Care Association Rotorua

South Auckland Association Papatoetoe

South Otago Foster Care Association Balclutha

Southland Foster Care Association Wyndham

Tairawhiti Foster Care Association Gisborne

Taranaki Foster Care Association New Plymouth

Tararua Foster Carers Dannevirke

Taupo & Tokoroa Foster Care Association Tokoroa

Waikato Foster Care Association Hamilton

Wairarapa Foster Care Association Masterton

Wanganui Foster Care Association Bulls

Wellington Family & Fostercare Association Lower Hutt

West Auckland Foster Care Support Association Auckland

Whakatane Foster Care Association Whakatane

Whangarei Foster Care Association Whangarei

Fostering Kids New Zealand would like to acknowledge the 60 plus dedicated Key People who run these Associations. They are some of the hardest working and highly valued members of our Team. This is a voluntary role and we cannot thank them enough for the incredible commitment they have to the organisation and Caring Families around New Zealand. THANK YOU

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Fostering Kids Office

Level 3, 29 Waterloo Road, PO Box 30188, Lower Hutt, 5040

Telephone 04-566 0294, Facsimilie 04-566 0295

admin@fosteringkids.org.nz

www.fosteringkids.org.nz

Our Team

National Office

Linda Surtees Chief Executive

Andeana Pilalis Events and Communications Manager

Tania Nuku (Tarns) Office Support

John Barnett Fundraising Contractor

Christine Williams Training Administration

Wendy Lowe Financial Officer

Maureen Roche Critical Support Manager

Gaylene Lawrence Team Leader/Training Manager

Stephanie James-Sadler Support Manager

Wendy Kavanagh Office Volunteer

Regional Team

Barbara McElligott Lower South Regional Coordinator

Lynne Matthews Central North Regional Coordinator

Mary August Lower North Regional Coordinator

Dallas Pickering Auckland Regional Coordinator

Catriona Ward Upper South Regional Coordinator

Laura Hall Canterbury Regional Coordinator

Judi Oliver Upper North Regional Coordinator