It wants your comments and suggestions
The Social Services and Community Committee is seeking public submissions on a bill that would improve financial security for foster children.
Currently, foster parents must apply to their social worker to open a KiwiSaver account for a foster child. Under the proposed legislation, it will be possible for foster parents, or kin carers, to open a KiwiSaver account for a foster child in their care.
The KiwiSaver (Foster Parents Opting in for Children in their Care) Bill would amend section 35 of the KiwiSaver Act 2006 by allowing the following people to opt into KiwiSaver:
- 16 and 17-year-olds in foster care, who jointly with one of their foster parents contract directly with a KiwiSaver provider;
- Children under 16 in foster care if one of their foster parents contracts directly with a KiwiSaver provider.
Submissions close October 24.
