About Me

I'm a bloke from New Zealand who is a registered foster carer through Oranga Tamariki, the Government agency responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children in New Zealand.

I'm currently a foster Dad to a young boy who came into my care after a difficult start in life. What began as a short-term placement has turned into something that looks increasingly long term.

I am not a biological Dad, so I am learning how to be a good Dad as he learns how to be a kid. He's faced so much in his short little life, as have most children in the state care system. Just as I'm learning how to dad, he's learning how to just be a kid. No child should have to worry about who's looking after them, or where they're sleeping that night.

You can read more about my decision to become a foster carer in this article.

Why start this blog?

Great question. I wanted a place where I could effectively record my journey and get down all the thoughts in my head around the process, fostering in general, Oranga Tamariki, parenting and wellbeing. It's like my journal, except it's public. I don't know if anyone will even find it, and if they don't that's okay - I'm essentially just writing this for me. However if it happens to help others in my situation, then bloody great.

Am I allowed to talk about fostering?

Absolutely. This is my journey, and I'm comfortable talking publicly about my own experience. What I'm not going to do is write about anything that could expose my identity, or my foster son's identity. His situation, circumstances and history are his to share, not mine.

I'll also be keeping my identity under wraps, not because I'm doing anything wrong but I have some blunt views around Oranga Tamariki and how the system works. Generally caregivers are treated like the bottom of the pile, even though we are the ones who pick up the pieces and put these children back together, and if you speak out about OT, you might find yourself losing the child in your care. So for that reason, I'll be remaining anonymous, and won't be revealing anything about where I live, work or play.

I have a question, can I contact you?

You sure can. I'm by no means an expert, I've only been doing this for a short time but I'm happy to answer any questions you have, about your journey. Contact me here.

Somehow, Dad.