Amy no longer need fear being alone

Barnardos advocates for early adoption so that children removed from their birth parents, by the Courts, do not languish in the foster system. Adoption provides a crucial sense of reassurance, permanency and belonging to a child, which enables them to heal from the traumas of abuse and neglect.

If you received our Summer Appeal you will remember the frightened little girl, Amy, who was witness to countless domestic disputes and suffered from gross neglect. When Amy was referred to Barnardos, she was placed in a safe environment with loving foster parents.

Amy’s parents were both addicted to drugs and although Barnardos offered comprehensive assistance to help them, they failed to take the lifelines offered to them. Amy’s father persisted with drug rehabilitation but was unable to shake the habit entirely and sadly, Amy’s mother fled.

Today, Barnardos is thrilled to report that Amy is thriving with her new family.

Amy’s new carers adore her and have asked if she would like to be a permanent member of their family, which Amy is delighted about. They are all very excited and looking forward to the formal adoption.

Amy also received a Barnardos Star of Wonder gift. “Do those other people really care about me?” she asked with a huge smile on her face.

Barnardos’ Star of Wonder

Many disadvantaged young Australians were overjoyed at Christmas with donated gifts of cash, food and toys to the Barnardos’ Star of Wonder appeal. Barnardos partnered with Toy Connect, an online website facility that made it simple, cost effective and convenient to purchase toys for children in need. Barnardos pre-selected and endorsed all the toys available, so they were best suited to the needs of the children and young people receiving the gifts.

Christmas is a difficult time for Peter and Michael since their Dad, Paul, was tragically killed in a car accident. However, when Barnardos came around with Star of Wonder gifts, the boys were so overwhelmed at the generosity and kindness of others they forgot about their own loss.

“The smiles on my boy’s faces, when Barnardos came around, was the most amazing gift. The amazing generosity of others heartened me to make an extra special Christmas lunch with the food that had been donated to us. We had the best Christmas since we lost Paul. Thank you to the angels who donated.”
Tracy, mother of Peter and Michael

Due to the success of the online service we have been encouraged to partner with Toy Connect again to bring you Christmas in July Star of Wonder online. This may be a better time of the year for some – avoiding the financial and time constraints that Christmas can sometimes bring.
For more information phone 02 9281 7933.

01_Important Decisions 02_Barnardos Persistent for Change 03_Adoption and Star of Wonder 04_Disturbed and Fractured Attachment 05_NSW Government Inquiry into Child Protection Services 06_Free Dental Treatment 07_Gifts with a Difference - Helping Australia's Children