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A new fostering programme that puts a baby’s mother, as well as her child, under the care of foster parents has been initiated by North Shore-based charitable trust Immerse.
The Incourage programme is designed to keep babies who are at risk of being taken into care together with their mothers, by providing support for both mum and baby in special semi-independent foster homes.
The programme is being led by Immerse coach and support person Davina Laumea, who says the aim is to help and support mothers so they can learn to care for and nurture their children.
“The intensive work of Incourage is to repair, restore and rebuild mum to be the best parent for her baby,” she says. “The goal is that she will eventually take full parental responsibility. We believe Incourage will reduce the number of babies being uplifted into care.”
Laumea says there has already been one successful case study, and a house has been made available where a foster couple can move in with further mum and baby pairings.
Now the trust is looking for new foster parents to join the programme from throughout the Hibiscus Coast and Mahurangi regions.
“We’re looking for parents with lived experiences who can bring innate problem solving, a depth of empathy and a resilient approach, as there will be challenges along the way,” she says.
Potential foster parents also need to be able to commit to a minimum of six to nine months to the programme, while working together with Immerse and other specialist services.
Immerse was founded by a group of foster parents to develop specialist training and support to people fostering children whose lives have been scarred by trauma. The team is made up of social workers, trainers, coaches and support staff.
Info: Visit www.immerse.org.nz, call 09 282 3724 or 0508 367837, or email info@immerse.org.nz
