News and Stories

Image of Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer?

12 September 2018 Do you have what it takes to be a foster carer?

With images of global crises filling our TV screens, you may be surprised to learn that on our own doorstep in NSW there are 20,000 children at risk and in need of out-of-home care. These are children...

6 September 2018 Giving young talent a start

Over 30 children have taken refuge over the past three decades in Shaun and Jane’s home. Some have been brought in the middle of the night escaping from a domestic emergency, others have stayed for ...

Image of Managing challenging behaviour: breaking the conflict cycle

24 August 2018 Managing challenging behaviour: breaking the conflict cycle

Children who are exposed to abuse and neglect, or who witness distressing scenes such as domestic violence, can find it difficult to trust or relate to others in a healthy way. They may find it diffic...

8 August 2018 Foster love: a critical link

At age 13, Ella was living with her mum who was struggling to overcome alcohol abuse issues. Her dad, now living in Queensland, had similar issues. Both parents wanted to keep Ella. But Ella needed so...

Image of A helping hand for a traumatised child

27 July 2018 A helping hand for a traumatised child

Stella was a little girl facing multiple psychological and physical challenges, and an uncertain future. When they put up their hands to help, foster carers Liz and Harry knew they were not signing up...

9 July 2018 The power of predictability

When a child or young person experiences trauma, their world is thrown into chaos; nothing is predictable and life can feel out of control. They may have witnessed domestic violence and other distress...

Image of Out of control: creating a calm home environment for troubled children

19 June 2018 Out of control: creating a calm home environment for troubled children

A child or young person who has experienced trauma may be anxious or stressed and behave in unpredictable ways. They may suddenly get angry at you or the family pet, break or throw toys or damage thin...

Image of Giving hope in the face of a bleak future

6 June 2018 Giving hope in the face of a bleak future

Daniel was a healthy, happy baby full of life when suddenly everything changed. Rushed to hospital with multiple injuries at 3 months old, Daniel’s great aunty and uncle, Lesley and Steve, still don...

Image of The power of praise: helping children with challenging behaviour

21 May 2018 The power of praise: helping children with challenging behaviour

When you’re tired or at your wits’ end, it’s easy to let your frustrations out and forget to compliment a child or young person in your care. When you’re dealing with frequent challenging beha...

10 May 2018 A family for life

We all want every child and young person to have a stable, safe and permanent home for life where they can thrive. But did you know that in NSW there are 18,000 children in need of out of home care? ...