Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2016 | Page 28

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Jane and Sarah’s
story

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their parents after years of physical abuse, family
violence and severe neglect. There were many challenges
for foster parents, Leah and Jan, as Sarah was still in nappies,
unable to use the toilet, drinking milk from a bottle, had no
language and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
and Global Developmental Delay. We organised weekly speech and
occupational therapy and a clinician helped the foster parents to plan
activities that would nurture her development and minimise stress. Six
months on, Sarah can now engage, comprehend and communicate what
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in her life. The focus for Jane was to let her be a child and not feel
responsible for her sister as she had been. Jane has just joined her
local netball club, is making friends and was so excited recently
when she was invited to two birthday parties! None of this
would have been possible without the love, care, attention
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and commitment that Leah and Jan provide.