What We Do
Because every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported, from the very first moment.
What We Do
Our Programs at a Glance
The First Night Can Change Everything
Picture this:
A child arrives at a stranger’s door, often late at night, often afraid, often with nothing but the clothes on their back. A carer opens their home and heart, with no time to prepare and no idea what that child might need tomorrow, let alone tonight.
These moments happen every day across Victoria.
They’re raw, urgent, and often invisible. But they matter, to the child, to the carer, and to the success of the placement itself.
At A Better Life For Foster Kids, we exist to make these moments easier.
We meet that child with kindness. We meet that carer with practical support.
We bridge the gap between chaos and care, with dignity, empathy, and community.
Why we Exist
Because no child should face their first night in care with nothing.
Behind Every Number, There’s a Name. Behind Every Placement, a Brave Heart.
In Victoria, 1 in every 100 children is on a care and protection order — that’s nearly 15,000 children, and the number is growing.
In just one year (2019–2020), more than 5,400 children entered care in Victoria, with 72% of them entering care for the first time.
Behind every number is a child facing the unknown. Behind every placement is a carer stepping up with little warning and limited support.
That’s why we created Crisis Cases, to ease the emotional and financial burden on carers, and to give every child the dignity of their own belongings during one of the hardest nights of their life.
Connection & Practical Help
Crisis Cases: The Heart of What We Do
The first thing we deliver isn’t just a suitcase.
It’s a message: You matter. You are not forgotten. You are cared for.
Each Crisis Case is a thoughtfully packed, wheeled suitcase provided to a child the day they enter foster or kinship care. Every case is tailored to suit a child’s age, gender, and needs — whether it’s for a baby, a toddler, a five-year-old, or a teenager navigating complicated emotions.
Each Crisis Case is valued at around $375, but costs us approximately $155 to assemble and deliver.
It’s so much more than a bag — it’s dignity, comfort, belonging, and hope.
We respond quickly. No red tape. Just a call, and we’re there.
Inside each Crisis Case:
- Clean, age-appropriate clothing
- Pyjamas, underwear, and socks
- Toiletries and personal care items
- A soft toy or handmade doll
- Activity books and comfort items
- And something new, just for them
Other's Do Care Fund
Life in care often means restrictions, what can’t be done, what’s out of reach.
Our Others Do Care Fund says yes to joy, opportunity, and belonging.
It’s about more than activities. It’s about helping children feel part of something and believe in their future
Christmas Gifts for Kids in out of home Care
For many children in foster and kinship care, the holidays are bittersweet. We believe every child deserves the joy of Christmas morning.
Each year, we deliver thoughtful, age-appropriate gifts to children in care, a simple, powerful reminder that they are loved and remembered.
Support the Carers
Supporting the Ones Who Care the Most
Because Caring for Kids in Care Shouldn’t Mean Doing It Alone.
Carers are the steady hands and open hearts behind every child in care.
But with little notice, limited resources, and rising costs, the burden can be overwhelming.
Crisis Cases ease that initial pressure. And beyond that, we provide:
Advice, system navigation, and personalised referrals
Regular carer catch-ups across Gippsland
A supportive online community for connection and encouragement
Because when we support carers, we strengthen the entire circle of care around every child.
In Victoria, financial support falls short, leaving carers to cover upfront costs for clothing, toiletries, bedding, and other basics. And beyond the practical needs, many carers are navigating complex emotions, trauma-informed care, and the demands of a stretched system, often feeling isolated and unsupported.
At A Better Life For Foster Kids, we believe carers deserve better.
When Starting Over, Every Detail Counts
Housing Transition Packages
For young adults aging-out of care, families reunifying with their children, or survivors of family violence, this is a deeply vulnerable moment. Without practical support, it can become overwhelming. That’s why A Better Life For Foster Kids created the Housing Transition Package program to turn empty spaces into true homes filled with comfort, safety, and promise.
Beds and furniture
Kitchenware and pantry staples
Personal touches that turn a house into a home
Contact Info
Address
PO BOX 1138, Sale Victoria 3850
Contact
(+61) 0412 154 424
heather@abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au
Become A Volunteer
If you’d like to lend a hand whether you’re handy with a sewing machine, available to drive, passionate about fundraising, or just keen to help, we’d love to hear from you.