Frequently Asked Questions

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if the answer to your question is not here.

We often receive queries about the work we do, here are the answers to the most common questions asked.

What do you do?

We take care of children in our society who at a very tender age, have experience trauma. We protect them, care for them, support and love them on their journey to recovery. We Seek to ensure stability of care. Over Homes of Hopes history, 81% of children have successfully transitioned to their forever home. This is an extremely high success rate and we strive for more.

Why are we unique?

We are neither a residential institution nor a nuclear family, we model the traditional extended family, with a holistic, community approach to our service – at all levels. Our community pods of homes are called collectively Te Whanau.

We believe that small is good – starting with one precious child at a time ensuring that quality, stable care and nurture is the hallmark of our service. Ours is a therapeutic approach, and we’ve developed a unique way to begin to support the recovery and development of the children in our care. These are evaluated and goals are set in response to the needs and strengths of each child on a continuing basis.

How many children are there in your care?

We have already cared for hundreds of children who have ranged in age from 1 month to 14 years. Our intake criteria is 8 years and under as we are committed to the early intervention and prevention of harm for children. But we won’t separate siblings so the age spread is generally from birth up to 12 years old.

How do the children feel?

Children who are not with their family will always carry with them a deep sense of grief and loss, and they will continually long to be with their family. We support them in their deep sadness, our role is to acknowledge this, to awhi (embrace) them, to stand in the gap for their families and be their unconditional support, doing whatever we can to nurture their healing. We endeavour to bring a perspective to their lives which honours their connection with their families and whakapapa; encouraging them to believe in themselves, to champion their abilities and dreams; and to celebrate their milestones. These children know full well that life is not easy or fair. We believe our role is to help them navigate their way, giving them strong foundations to take with them on their journey through life.

Who makes up the Homes of Hope team?

Our children are cared for by loving live in full time House Parents, support caregivers and a fantastic team of volunteers and unseen helping hands. Alongside, working in support of them is our small and dedicated administration team and our social work hub. You can read about our team here. We host social work teaching and counselling students and interns from both national and international colleges, universities and institutes. It is an honour and privilege to work in this team. There are fabulous and fascinating stories of courage, faith, overcoming, and purpose in each team member’s life! Everything that the koru represents (unfurling fern – symbolizing regeneration and new life) is symbolic of Homes of Hope’s goals, hopes, dreams, expectations and journey. This symbolism is beautifully in synergy with our organisation and its objectives.

Our committed Trust Board, requires a minimum of 3 and maximum 7 members, who meet monthly. You can read about them here

We are all passionately and absolutely committed to the vision and mission of our Organisation. Diverse, talented, and committed to on-going professional development in our various roles. Standing in the gap for the most vulnerable children in our community.

Is Homes of Hope a religious organisation?

No. We are founded on Judeo-Christian principles and we are a community of people with different faiths and beliefs.

Why are you founded on Judeo-Christian principles?

Our founder believes she was called to care for our precious children and she felt compelled to do something to make a positive difference in their time of need. Through her faith the Trust was born.

How can I help?

There are many ways people can help at Homes of Hope, please click here for more information.

Find out more about the Endowment Fund here.

Support Our Tamariki

Your support enables us to provide care and wrap-around support for tamariki, so that they are empowered and equipped to be the leaders of their lives and of their future generations.

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