About Daryl

 

Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend to many.

A hero, survivor, advocate, brave-hearted warrior, legend, and inspiration to all.

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Daryl spent 18 years in state care with over 30 placements, 20 different social workers, and schools, suffered every form of physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, lived in what others only can see in their nightmares. Despite all the odds he survived, and he brought it to light.

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Daryl vowed to make a difference for all the foster children in care. He studied at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (Biculturalism in practice).  He worked selflessly as a social worker, an activist, an author, and an international keynote speaker. He gave his all in countless interviews, TV documentaries, and speeches to spread his knowledge and educate people to better the broken foster system.

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Sadly, Daryl's personal journey came to an end due to a sudden but short illness in July 2018. However, the foundation he has created is strong and his legacy will be continued till there is no more pain and hurt towards our tamariki.

 

MSD Apology

On 13 February 2015, Daryl received an official apology from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for failing to protect him from neglect, abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and for also sending him to the United States. They also acknowledged that many caregivers he was placed with were unapproved and systems were not followed. Through their apology, the ministry also acknowledged that they failed to find him a permanent placement and admitted the damages done from exposure to multiple placements.

 

Book "Through the eyes of a foster child"

 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a foster home and be taken away from people who love you? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a strange place in a new world? Well here is a real chance for you to do this simply by reading. You’re able to journey with Daryl through 18 years of foster care placements, and you will have the first-hand experience of what it’s like to walk through the front door and live in a strange place. Feel, see, smell and experience the horrors of moving, abuse, neglect, maltreatment, and much much more.