Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2009 | Page 13

BELINDA’S STORY
Can you imagine what it is like to meet your foster family? Twelve year
old Belinda had to face this 19 times before she came to Berry Street.
With all these changes and her mother’s drug addiction, depression
and violence, it is not surprising that when she was eight Belinda had
been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder and thought she
was unworthy and unlovable.
Melissa owns and manages a small business in Shepparton, but
wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. Melissa became a foster
carer two years ago and soon after joined our therapeutic foster
care program.
While it’s not always easy managing Belinda’s nightmares,
bed-wetting, need for attention and grief, Melissa speaks about
Belinda with such love, joy and pride. With Melissa’s support,
Belinda has made friends at school and is finally living a childhood
with a sense of a future.

12