This is the real truth behind the caregiver shortage

NZ Herald 16 March 2018
Family First Comment: Excellent article by Mel Taylor…
“We have had youth arrive at our home and dictate to us that if we do not allow them to do what they want when they want, then they will make false allegations against us and have us shut down. The more our children are becoming empowered, the more parents and caregivers are becoming disempowered, and that in itself is dangerous and unhealthy.”
www.protectgoodparents.nz

The Herald recently published an article entitled, “Call for more foster caregivers as children in state care need protection”. Basically, the Ministry for Children desperately need caregivers. Unfortunately what is not being spoken about, are the many reasons that are contributing to the shortage.

I have worked as a frontline specialist caregiver for more than 16 years. My husband and I care for high and at-risk teenage boys. We have cared for more than 400 youth and although there have been many successes, we, like other caregivers we know, are seriously considering leaving caregiving.

In my opinion, it has become one of the most high-risk jobs around. We have seen many caregivers shut down due to allegations, and unfortunately some were later found to be false. In our job, you are guilty until proven innocent.

In a country such as ours that is riddled with child abuse, I can accept that. What I cannot accept, is that if false allegations are made, I potentially could lose not only the youth in our care but my own children as well – at least until there had been an investigation completed.

We have had youth arrive at our home and dictate to us that if we do not allow them to do what they want when they want, then they will make false allegations against us and have us shut down.

The more our children are becoming empowered, the more parents and caregivers are becoming disempowered, and that in itself is dangerous and unhealthy.
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