A social worker was moved to tears after receiving a touching letter from a Kiwi boy she was looking after in state care.
She found the letter on her car windscreen before heading on Christmas break. The Ministry for Children - Oranga Tamariki have shared it with the Herald to show how their social workers make a difference in children's lives.
Tom* wrote that he wanted to let his social worker Layla* know she was a wonderful person and amazing support for him.
"You never fail to care about us and protect us as children in care and for that, I am extremely grateful.
"I really appreciate how hard you work for not only me but all the children you look after and care about. I am also very appreciative of how protective you are of us and how much you want us to have an awesome and successful future.
"Words cannot describe how passionate you are to make a difference in our lives and always make sure we have the best outcome.
"Despite the fact that sometimes I may feel unsure at first of some decisions you make to protect me, I always know you always want the best for me. Knowing I have so much support from you keeps me going every day."
Layla said finding Tom's letter had a huge impact on her and it was she who admired him.
"I felt appreciated, I shed a tear and I felt proud of my work. I see him growing into who he wants to be and I'm supporting him from the sidelines.
"I want him to focus on being a kid and on his schoolwork.
Layla said Tom had flourished since he had been with his caregiver, gained confidence, was loving school and had made a close friend.
Tom hoped to go to university, become a social worker and help other young people who have had a difficult home life.
"I have no doubt that Tom will achieve his dreams," Layla said.
*Names have been changed to protect the boy's identity.
The letter in full
Dear Layla
I hope you had a great time away overseas and a very happy Christmas and New Years!.
I am really happy you're back and am excited for what 2018 will bring.
I am writing you this letter because I want you to know that you are a wonderful person and an amazing support to me, my siblings and my caregiver.
You never fail to care about us and protect us as children in care and for that I am extremely grateful.
I really appreciate how hard you work for not only me but all the children you look after and care about. I am also very appreciative of how protective you are of us and how much you want us to have an awesome and successful future.
Words cannot describe how passionate you are to make a difference in our lives and always make sure we have the best outcome.
Despite the fact that sometimes I may feel unsure at first of some decisions you make to protect me, I always know you always want the best for me. Knowing I have so much support from you keeps me going every day.
So a message from me to you, a child in care to his social worker I say... Layla you have truly impacted and continue to impact on my life and my siblings' lives for the better. I want you to know that you are making a massive difference and you are a role model and rock for the children you take care of.
It's been a long road but you have always stuck by us and believed in us. I will always have faith in you and know you are doing the best you can possibly do for all of us in care. I really do look forward to what 2018 will bring for you.
Thank you Layla!
Yours lovingly,
Tom
-NZ Herald
