Mel and Kate have cared for 10 children since they first started out as emergency carers. Both working full time and with busy lives, they couldn’t offer permanent care, but wanted to help out when they could.

The couple have cared for kids for as little as 24 hours up to eight days. They aren’t afraid to say no when it’s not the right time or not the right fit. “Our caseworker will call us, and we’ll say, yes that’s great but their school is in the opposite direction to work, could you help us out with getting them there in the morning?” Mel said.

They’ll also ask for extra support if they need it. “We make time to attend training as it helps us to be better carers” Mel said.

Even though they’ve been helping out for less than a year, they’ve already chalked up hundreds of special moments.

“These gorgeous sisters came to us and one of them was on long term medication” Mel recalls.

“So was our cat. She really took a shine to the cat; she related to him as he was on medication like her.”

“She hadn’t done a lot of reading, but we have these books that are easy to read and are about topics the older ones might be interested in. She sat there reading to this very attentive cat all about these two girls fighting at school.”

“We just gave them some space but were secretly cheering.”

“Every child that comes, there is always something memorable about them. They have all been wonderful” Mel said.