The Government has won rare praise from the Green Party for a welfare initiative that will provide financial and professional support for parents taking on foster children permanently.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said yesterday there would be a $2500 upfront payment for clothing and other costs, free necessities like a cot and pushchair, some assistance with legal costs, as well as seminars and respite breaks.
Ms Bennett said the Home for Life package would make it easier for people to offer a child a permanent home.
"There are just over 2000 foster parents currently, many of whom want to take on a child permanently but are concerned about losing state support and being left to cope alone," she said.
Greens co-leader Metiria Turei said the Government was showing the right attitude.
However, she said other proposed welfare changes in Ms Bennett's Future Focus Bill were going to take stability away from some single parents and their children.
"The minister will force some parents to leave children home alone or with poor supervision while they chase non-existent jobs," Ms Turei said.
"The different approach to foster parents and single parents makes no sense."
