Wales, with Chelsea’s journey beginning back in 2014 in Queensland. Their individual personal experiences with childhood trauma have ignited a strong desire to make a positive impact on young lives and provide the care and support needed for healing.

Sharing that even the smallest change can have a profound effect on someone’s life, the couple warmly welcome emergency placements into their family – which includes four dogs and two cats.

“We seem to make it work. We integrate the kids we take on into our world and include them in the running of the household which we find provides a solid foundation of routine and belonging which makes them feel safe,” says Ali.

Their home has become a haven for teenage girls, where self-expression and healthy boundaries are encouraged. Understanding that change takes time, when new children arrive

Ali and Chelsea prepare a warm welcome, including personalised welcome books and involvement from their beloved pets. They ensure each child feels valued and comfortable, encouraging them to personalize their spaces and share photos of their birth families.

The couple says that many of the children they’ve worked with have taught them valuable lessons about themselves and have brought immense joy and laughter into their lives at unexpected moments.

Encouraging carers to connect with their support services and networks to assist in the caring role and not to underestimate their ability to make a difference, Ali says “It truly takes a village to raise children, and if full-time care isn’t feasible, there are opportunities for respite care. Every role is vital,”