By Dewi Sherry
After spending 40 years working in foster care and advocating to improve the experiences of children and young people in care, Truganina resident Anita Pell has won an award at the Victorian Government’s Protecting children Awards.
Ms Pell is one of the longest serving carers at the Berry Street organisation. She won the Robin Clark Award for ‘Making a Difference’.
Berry Street is Victoria’s largest independent child and family services organisation. They work with children, young people and families to recover from the devastating effects of violence, abuse and neglect.
Over four decades, Ms Pell has helped improve outcomes for children and has made an huge contribution to foster care in Victoria.
“I was very honoured to receive this award, I’m very influenced by Robin’s work,” Ms Pell said.
“Children in care need more than just love, they need therapeutic care. I work with carers to ensure that we provide them with training, the training allows them to give a therapeutic parenting approach to the children.”
In total four staff members at Berry street received awards.
Berry Street’s chief executive Sandie de Wolf said all four winners and nominees make a valuable contribution to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
