Abuse in Foster Care
This Foster Care investigation will investigate and report on abuse in State-based foster and family-home placements in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 and 1999. We can also listen to people who suffered abuse in care outside of those years and those who are currently in care.
The voices and experiences of victims and survivors of abuse in foster care are at the centre of this inquiry as we investigate and make findings on what happened and why.
When the State intervened, foster care was where many children were placed, after being taken from their whānau, hapū and iwi. Because most survivors we have heard from spent time in foster care, it is necessary to look deeply into the causes and effects of abuse in foster care environments.
Foster care is also a challenging contemporary issue, and with what we learn from this inquiry we can influence change to protect children in care now and in the future.
The Foster Care investigation is part of the social welfare inquiry which includes investigations into abuse in youth justice care and State children’s residential homes.
Survivors’ evidence will inform the social welfare report which will include findings and recommendations based on our investigations through public hearings, survivor and witness accounts, research and policy review, hui, wānanga and fono.
We will make recommendations on steps the State should take to address the harm caused, and changes to be made so that the factors that allowed abuse to occur in foster care do not persist in the future.
Providing information to the Foster Care inquiry
People who experienced abuse as a child, young person or vulnerable adult in foster care have important information for the Foster Care investigation.
So do whānau of people who were abused, or who witnessed or were aware of abuse happening.
People can share their experiences and thoughts in a range of ways. This year we have wānanga, fono, community conversations and haerenga (regional visits) planned. More information on these is on our engagement page.
If you want to share your experience with us then please contact us confidentially on 0800 222 727 or email: contact@abuseincare.org.nz. You can also email us and ask someone to call you back.
Sharing your experience means the inquiry can make findings about what happened and meaningful recommendations for change.
Sharing experiences of abuse will be difficult, and if you make that decision to do so we will make sure you have wellbeing support that is right for you. Please access the wellbeing information and contact page if you need support at any time.
Upcoming hearing: Foster Care hearing 13-17 June, Tii Tu Tahi hearing space, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
