North Coast region Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Award winner, Narelle Green with Child Safety Regional Executive Director, Peter Ryan and Channel Nine presenter, Heather Foord.

Narelle Green has been a carer for 32 years taking her first placement in 1980 and since that time caring for more than 35 children. She currently cares for seven young people, five teenage girls ranging in age from 11 to 17 years and two boys aged 10 and 12 years old.

Narelle is a strong advocate for the young people in her care and supports them to have their opinions heard and considered.  She is proactive in accessing supports and services for the young people, to ensure their emotional, physical and educational needs are met.

Narelle in particular works well with the families of children in care, promoting and supporting the children and young people to maintain positive contact with their family, and community of origin and supporting reunification where appropriate.

An example of this was when Narelle took an emergency placement of two children last Christmas.  Not only did she provide a comfortable and safe environment until the children were reunited with their mother, she had daily contact with the children’s mother, encouraging and supporting her and building her confidence to have the children return home.

"Winning this award is a great surprise and honour. It's always lovely to be recognised for caring for children and young people and I am sure there are many carers deserving of this award," Narelle said. "It's a role of love because it is fulfilling a need that will always be there, that is, the need for children to be cared for, nurtured and accepted

Narelle works positively with staff from her support agency Spiritus TRACC, the Department of Communities and the families of the children in her care. She is a remarkable woman who despite the recent tragic loss of her biological daughter and mother, continues to provide unconditional love for the children that arrive at her door.

Truly a remarkable woman who has dedicated time and love to caring for children, offering them a safe and supportive home.

North Coast region Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Award winner, Narelle Green with Spiritus TRACC North Morayfield’s Stacey Lynch

Stacey Lynch (L) and Angela Rondo (R) from Spiritus TRACC North Morayfield with North Coast region Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Award winner, Narelle Green