News and Stories

Image of A home for life: more than one way to make a family

12 December 2018 A home for life: more than one way to make a family

After discovering that pregnancy was not going to be possible, Sarah and Adam tried to convince themselves they would be happy building a different life together – one without children. But the coup...

Image of A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach

13 November 2018 A safe haven: grandparents step into the breach

Having brought up three children, Doug and Nancy weren’t expecting to have a second family. But when their son and daughter-in-law separated around seven years ago, they were ever ready to help th...

Image of 5 steps to becoming a foster carer

9 October 2018 5 steps to becoming a foster carer

Becoming a foster carer is a big decision. But it’s likely to be one of the best things you ever do. Although it can be challenging at times, caring for a child or young person in need is hugely rew...

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...