Crisis Cases
Immediate Care Kits
What Is a Crisis Case?
When a child is placed into out-of-home care, often with little to no notice, they usually arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their back.
No toothbrush.
No pyjamas.
No favourite toy or change of clothes.
It’s a moment that can feel overwhelming, disorienting, and deeply distressing, for both the child and the carer welcoming them in.
Our Crisis Cases are designed to meet children right at this point of need. Each one is a wheeled suitcase filled with approximately 55 essential items tailored to the child’s age and gender, from clothing and toiletries to soft toys and comforting touches.
But more than that, each Crisis Case says something powerful:
You are not forgotten. You are cared for. You matter.
Why We Need Them
Bridging the Gap in Critical Moments
Because Caring for Kids in Care Shouldn’t Mean Doing It Alone.
Every year in Victoria, thousands of children are placed in foster or kinship care, many for the very first time. The system is under immense pressure, and foster carers are often given only hours, sometimes minutes, to prepare for a new placement.
While foster care payments exist, they rarely cover the initial costs of setting up for a child. In fact, Victoria has the lowest carer payments in Australia, falling short by around $70 per week of the actual costs (Foster Care Association of Victoria).
Crisis Cases ease that initial burden. They reduce financial strain, create comfort, and help turn a confronting moment into a more gentle transition.
For carers, they offer breathing space.
For children, they offer dignity.
How You Can Help
Join Us in Making a Difference
Donation Needs by Age Group
Every item in a Crisis Case has the power to calm, comfort, and care. Thanks to our generous community, we fill hundreds of cases each year—but the need continues to grow. You can help by donating new or gently used items suitable for children and teens entering care. Please ensure all donated items are clean, high quality, and ready to use.
Baby (Newborn – 12 months)
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What they need:
- Size 0000–1 clothing (seasonal)
- Nappies & wipe
- Baby toiletries
- Bottles & formula (new, sealed)
- Bibs, socks, beanies
- Soft toys & blankets
Toddler (1–4 years)
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What they need:
- Size 2–5 clothing
- Underwear & socks
- Pyjamas
- Toiletries
- Picture books & toys
Children (5–12 years)
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What they need:
- Size 6–14 clothing
- New underwear & socks
- Pyjamas
- Seasonal clothing (jackets, shorts, etc.)
- School supplies (pencils, notebooks)
- Toys, books, puzzles
Teens (13–17 years)
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What they need:
- Size 14–adult clothing
- Toiletries (including sanitary products for girls)
- Journals, books
- Hoodies, jeans, activewear
- Gift cards (to allow them to choose something themselves)
Where to Drop Off Donations
We currently have Crisis Case Depots across Victoria:
- Bairnsdale
- Ballarat
- Bendigo
- Frankston
- Montmorency
- Koo Wee Rup
Morwell - Sale
- Warragul
Yackandandah
Carers: Request Support
If you are a foster or kinship carer in need of a Crisis Case, we are here to support you.
To request a case, please text or call Heather Baird directly on 0412 154 424. We aim to respond as quickly as possible, with no red tape or complicated forms, just the help you need, when you need it.
Request A Crisis Case
What’s in a Crisis Case?
Each Crisis Case contains around 55 essential items tailored to the child’s age, including clothing, toiletries, baby items, a blanket, activity books, and a handmade comfort toy.
Most items are brand new or lightly used and always age-appropriate. Each case is valued at approximately $375 and is designed to support a child through their first week in care.
Who Can Request a Crisis Case?
Crisis Cases can be requested by foster and kinship carers, as well as agencies and government departments supporting children in out-of-home care. If you’re local to Sale, you’re welcome to visit our rooms at the Memorial Hall to collect items in person.
Where Is This Service Available?
While we primarily serve Gippsland and Melbourne’s outer east, we regularly support carers across Victoria and can supply multiple cases to agencies when needed.
You can choose your nearest depot from the list below and fill in the form to request a Crisis Case, We’ll take care of the rest.