A Better Life for Foster Kids is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in the Victorian Protecting Children Awards, competing for the esteemed Robin Clark Making a Difference Award.
This accolade highlights the organisation’s commitment to enhancing the lives of children and carers within the foster and kinship care system.
The Robin Clark Making a Difference Award recognises teams or groups whose exceptional contributions embody Robin Clark’s vision of a connected community and effective service system.
The finalists in this category are celebrated for their creative, courageous, and collaborative efforts in improving outcomes for children, young people, and their families or carers.
A Better Life for Foster Kids, founded by Heather Baird in 2014, stands out for the power of their volunteer base, and the significant impact it creates by providing essential material support to children entering foster and kinship care. Their advocacy efforts are also recognised in their vision to create a better out-of-home care system calling for government to take action to enhance the physical and mental health support for children in care and to increase the assistance available to the carers who provide this essential support, giving a voice to children and carers who are often left silenced by the system.
Heather expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“Being named a finalist in the Robin Clark Making a Difference Award is an incredible honour for our entire team,” she said.
“This acknowledgment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and supporters who share our vision to make a real difference in the lives of children in foster and kinship care.
“We remain committed to our advocacy efforts and will continue to strive for improvements in the care and support systems for these vulnerable children whilst supporting them with resources along the way.”
The Victorian Protecting Children Awards celebrates individuals and organisations that make substantial contributions to safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of children.
The recognition of A Better Life for Foster Kids celebrates the impact of their vital work and dedication to the cause.
From a grassroots organisation built on the lived experience of founder Heather, A Better Life For Foster Kids mobilises a village of resources through their dedicated volunteers, connecting carers across Victoria and combining practical aid with advocacy efforts to strengthen reach and impact.
This impact is only made possible by the volunteers who dedicate their time and with the support of more than 420 participating community members and groups one of these being Ms Melina Bath, Member for Eastern Victoria.
“What sets A Better Life for Foster Kids apart from others in their field is the informed approach, built on the lived experience of Founder Heather. By combining practical material aid with vital advocacy, A Better Life for Foster Kids provides children with access to a mobilised village of resources,” Ms Bath said.
