Welcome to Family for Every Child
We believe every child deserves to grow up safe, loved and supported. We turn that belief into action through collective advocacy.
We're part of the Tick 4 Kids collective
What needs to be done to improve life for children and young people in Aotearoa?
Together with other local organisations, we asked political parties, so you can ensure that your vote supports children’s rights in 2026.
The Tick 4 Kids are a set of score cards that are designed to help you, the voter, figure out what each party is doing in nine key areas.
Donate today
You’ve arrived at the perfect time
Our collective work and research is at a critical turning point! Join a growing movement for better, safer care for children, for families who get to stay together and for children who can grow up safely and connected to their community and culture. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for being here.
Over 4,700 signatures presented at parliament
Our open letter to oppose the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill (2026)
In August and September, we collected over 4,700 signatures to stop the proposed Move-on Orders Bill Amendment Bill, which will punish vulnerable people for having nowhere to go. The bill was passed in September, which means our work is far from done. Click below to see our advocacy, and what we did to show opposition.
Our Research
The “Strengthening Kinship Care in Aotearoa New Zealand Research Report”
We have been on a quest to understand the role of kinship care in Aotearoa. Our research report has gained recognition within the sector.
News, stories and updates
One of our collective submissions
With four of our partners, we have made a submission on the MSD’s draft National Carers’ Strategy and Action Plan, calling for key changes.
Blogpost: Sophia at “Kōkiri – The Future Speaks”
Our network member VOYCE Whakarongo Mai ran an important conference to call for care system reform, and of course, we went along!
Meet our people: Dr. Rob Thomson, Programme Advisor for NZ and Pacific
Our programme in Aotearoa has been growing, and now we have a new captain steering the ship. We’re proud to welcome Rob!
Featured in Newsroom: Childcare’s hidden heroes
The movement around our most recent research is building, and we’ve been talking to the media. Read our interview with newsroom.
Meet our people: Michael Yurak, Fundraising Manager
We sat down with one of our people: Michael. Find out what he most values about his role, and why he is inspired to show up every day.
Podcast: Kinship Care in the Aotearoa New Zealand context
This podcast episode features an engaging conversation about our latest research into kinship care in Aotearoa. Have a listen below!
“It’s my hope that this report sparks action: increased collaboration, understanding and support for those who step up to provide this vital care, so that all mokopuna in Aotearoa New Zealand grow up safe and surrounded by love, stability and a strong sense of belonging.”
– Dr Claire Achmad
Te Kaikōmihana mo Ngā Tamariki o Aotearoa
Children’s Commissioner
What are we about?
Our vision
Our hearts are set on a world where every child has the chance to thrive in a safe, loving family. Our work creates lasting change for children and families who face adversity, trauma and displacement.
Our approach
Every community is unique, so solutions must be too. We partner with local organisations who know their communities best and foster change at the system level. Everything we do is led by local culture, backed by research and shaped by children and families themselves.
The impact
All aspects of our work are about building stronger, fairer systems that keep all children safe. We impact laws and policies so more children can thrive and families are supported to care for their own.
Our work in Aotearoa New Zealand
Our recent research has one goal: to make sure more tamariki and rangatahi stay safe with their whānau and communities instead of entering state care. This mahi is led by locals and leans on lessons learned around the world.
Why it matters
When parents can’t care for their children, it’s often a sibling, grandparent, or close family friend who steps in. This is kinship care — when whānau become carers, keeping children in their communities. In New Zealand, 16,000 to 22,000 children grow up this way, yet these families often struggle and urgently need support.
We saw a research gap and we wanted to know:
How do we support Kinship Care in Aotearoa? Kinship carers are the invisible heroes of society, but they often go unnoticed. Our latest research sets out to change this.
Family for Every Child’s other areas of focus, internationally
A glimpse into global work
Family For Every Child is backed by an international network of organisations who work to support children and vulnerable families. This means, all of our work leans on learnings from around the globe, but is led by local knowledge and communities, taking a systems approach for long term change.
A movement
See our network of member organisations around the world
Global advocacy
Our international campaigns advocate for Kinship Care
Research
Visit our library of research for better child protection
Image credit to our member organisation VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai
Follow us on social media
Policies
Connect
2025 Family for Every Child New Zealand Trust | Registration no. CC54645 | Company no. 2670471
2025 Family for Every Child is a charitable company limited by guarantee | Registered charity in England and Wales no. 1149212 | Company no. 08177641
2025 Family Alliance Inc. | Family Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation registered in NYS | EIN 46-5518730
