Raelene and Stephen Healy have welcomed more than 50 foster children into their Hillside home over the years and they plan to care for many more. 87074 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
WHEN Raelene and Stephen Healy decided to open their arms and their home to foster children 13 years ago, they never thought the task would be so rewarding.
The Hillside couple, who have four children of their own, have cared for more than 50 children and presently have two children in permanent care, with another two babies in foster care.
And the household is always buzzing with life according to Raelene who said she wouldn’t change a thing.
“It can be daunting taking responsibility for other people’s children,” she said.
“But these are children that need help. We just love them and it’s great to see them come out of their shells. If you’re heart doesn’t break when you have to say goodbye then you haven’t done a good job.”
The pair was recently highly commended at the 11th Robin Clark Memorial Awards which recognises an outstanding contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable children.
“We were flabbergasted when we heard. You do it because you want to but sometimes it’s good to receive a bit of recognition.”
However for Raelene all the reward she needs is seeing the difference she has made in a child’s life.
“It depends what you want out of life, but if you can help these children who didn’t asked to be born into this situation then it’s worth it.”
She said hearing the words ‘I love you’ from a child for the first time was always an unforgettable moment.
“They don’t know love and when they eventually open up and say ‘I love you’ for the first time it makes every day worthwhile.”
