Kerryn and her husband Stephen have two biological children, Tracey and Matthew, now 51 and 48. Over the past 40 years, Kerryn and Stephen have taken in more than 400 children and young people, including three permanent care children, now aged 26, 21, and 19 and they currently have a nearly 18-year-old, a 20-month-old, and a 10-week-old in their care. We spoke to Kerryn about her experiences.
Kerryn’s fostering began when her second child was born with a disability and the desire to provide that care for more children became obvious. "I saw a stand at the Eltham festival and thought, 'Oh, I could foster.' I asked Stephen, and after thinking about it, he said yes. That was it. We had one child, and it’s never stopped. At times, we had as many as seven children at once."
Kerryn’s life has been filled with memorable moments, but for her, the most profound are the ones where she knows she’s made a difference. "For me, it’s when they come in unhappy and sad, and they leave with a smile on their face. That’s when I know I’ve done my job."
One story that particularly moved her happened years after two children in her care were sent back to their biological family. "They had a tough time after they left, but one day, years later, the boy told me, 'Kerryn, we had a shitty life, I got into drugs, but one day I woke up and said to myself, I’m better than this. Because Kerryn told me I was.' That was 15, 16 years later, and he still remembered. It moved me so much."
Fostering has had a lasting impact on Kerryn’s own children, who are very supportive of foster care. "We talk about it openly. My 26-year-old permanent care child knows first-hand and often speaks to other carers. She’s got a degree and is an accountant now. The 21-year-old also talks about fostering and understands its importance."
For those thinking about becoming foster carers, Kerryn’s advice is simple: "You can only give it a try. Foster care isn’t for everyone, but you won’t know until you do. I loved it from the very first day. It’s hard sometimes, and you get really challenging children, but you just have to grit your teeth and keep going."
Consistency is key to Kerryn’s approach. "Having rules and following through helps the child feel safe. They know I’m not going to hurt them, and that I’m here for them. That consistency teaches them about consequences, and they learn." What keeps her motivated is seeing a happy child. "From the moment they walk through the door to the moment they leave, I treat them like my own children. I want them to be as happy and well-adjusted as they can be when they move on."
However, there are challenges in the foster care system that Kerryn wishes could be improved, and much of it comes down to funding. "Carers aren’t financially supported enough, and access to psychologists or psychiatrists is a nightmare. You can wait six months, and by then, the child has already struggled so much. Once upon a time, we’d get 4-5 pages of information on a child coming into care. Now, I’m lucky to get their first name."
Despite these challenges, Kerryn is grateful for the support of her agency, Berry Street, though she acknowledges that the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) is overworked and underfunded. "The staff at Berry Street are fantastic, but DFFH needs more resources. Kids come in with nothing, their behaviours can be atrocious, and it can take months to get them the help they need. It’s sad."
The friendships she’s built with other carers are a significant part of her foster care experience. "Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through makes all the difference. You don’t feel alone." But she’s also adamant about self-care. "The most important person in all of this is us. If we break down, we can’t help the kids. I get a massage once a week, and that’s our little treat to keep us going. It’s important. Date night is also essential, though it can be hard to do. Stephen loves to spend time in the garden for his 'time out.'"
Kerryn continues to show extraordinary commitment, love, and resilience. Through her care, she has shaped the lives of hundreds of children and left an indelible mark on her own family, proving that fostering is not just about providing a home—it’s about creating a lasting impact on every child who comes through her door.
Saatia Khuong is a single mum, juggling the demands of her own 8-year-old child, her part-time work, and her small business. Despite her busy life, Saatia has embraced foster care, opening her home to children in need. Over the past three years, she has provided care for seven children, and currently has a 5-year-old in her care.
Saatia’s journey into foster care began as a long-held thought, something she’d considered from a young age, even before becoming a parent. One day, she spontaneously decided to take the leap. "I woke up, looked at my phone, typed in 'foster care', and within five minutes I submitted my details. A year later, I was accredited."
For Saatia, fostering has brought countless joyful experiences. One of the highlights is sharing “firsts” with the children—taking them on their first camping trip, visiting the beach, or even boarding an airplane. "Watching their facial expressions and seeing them conquer their fears brings so much joy, not just to them but to me as well," she shares.
