FAQ

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, each home Whare Awhi.

We keep sibling groups together when they come in to care and positively engage with the children’s family and whanau. We are able to provide home visits and stays, building their capacities to parent again.

We believe that small is good - starting with one precious child at a time and ensuring that quality, stable care and nurture is the hallmark of our service. We have therapeutic approaches, and have developed a unique system to support the development of the children in our care across all strands. These are evaluated and goals are set in response to the needs/strengths of each child.

How many children are there in our care?

To date we have already cared for 38 children who have ranged in age from 9 months to 13 years. We are able to care for up to 18 children in Tauranga Moana. Whare Awhi homes in Waitakere and Rotorua will each care for between 6-8 children. Our intake criteria is 8 years and under as we are committed to early intervention and prevention.

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. So our role is to acknowledge this, to awhi (embrace) them, to stand in the gap for their families and be their unconditional support. 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?

We are passionately committed to the vision and mission of our organisation. Diverse, talented, and committed to on-going professional development in our various roles. 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.

In practice we operate using a flat structure and are presently developing a new model to adequately represent this, based upon an ecological framework. Our committed Trust Board, requires a minimum of 2 and maximum 7, meeting monthly. Please refer to the Key Operating Policies and Procedures (KOPPS) Manual for organisational flow charts, Job Descriptions and Employment Contracts.