Media Release
25 November 2004

Christchurch Caregiver Receives Civic Award

Child, Youth and Family caregiver Ana Martin received a civic award last night for her services to children and young people in a formal ceremony at the Christchurch Town Hall.

The award recognises Ana’s work in caring for children and young people at Child, Youth and Family’s Leicester Family Home in Christchurch for the past eleven years. Twenty-eight others also received a civic award for their service to Christchurch and its people. The awards were presented by Gary Moore, Christchurch’s Mayor.

Ana was both ‘awestruck’ and ‘humbled’ when she received the news that she was to be given a civic award for her services. Like the majority of caregivers, Ana is modest about the value of her work and the positive effect it has had on the young people who have come into her life.

“I felt a bit embarrassed and humbled about receiving the award. As a caregiver you’re only a link in the chain. You can’t be everything to them, but when they ring up and ask your advice it’s really special,” she says.

Ana primarily cares for children and young people at the Family Home on a short-term basis until a more permanent arrangement has been found.

Ana’s caregiver liaison social worker, Fraser Flanagan, says she goes beyond the call of duty in caring for the children and young people who come into her life.

“Ana is a good example of a caregiver who has combined vision and commitment in her role. She has been a valuable role model for the approx. 150 who have lived in the Family Home over the years. In doing this she has made an immense contribution to their well-being. Ana has done a wonderful job in turning lives around in exceptional circumstances,” he says.

Child, Youth and Family currently has 3,580 caregivers (both kin and non-kin) looking after 4,819 children and young people aged 0 – 16 years.

On 1 November the Department launched is largest-ever caregiver recruitment campaign with the slogan “Small Things Can Change Everything”. The campaign was supported by Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter and aims to recruit around 300 caregivers for Child, Youth and Family’s 29 sites.

So far almost 200 application packs have been sent out to potential caregivers.
Anyone wishing to apply should call 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459) or email
www.cyf. govt.nz

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Note to Editors

Child, Youth and Family operates Family Homes in many areas, usually in cities and larger towns. Family Homes are large houses owned, furnished and maintained by the Department. They are run by two adult caregivers who provide care for up to six children aged up to 16 years.

Family Home caregivers form part of a team in meeting the physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioural needs of any child or young person who is resident in the Family Home. Since Family Homes cater for a wide range of age groups, all with different needs, Family Home caregivers need to possess a range of skills to fulfil this role.

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