The party, held by Anglicare in Croydon during National Children's Week, thanked children who had grown up with their parents taking in other children who were in need of a home and a safe environment.

Chirnside Park couple Michael and Georgia Edyvane, who have four daughters of their own aged from three to 11, have been foster carers for 14 children over the past six years.

Mr Edyvane said the decision to become foster carers was easy. "We were in a fortunate position financially that we could afford to do it. My wife was the instigator, she has a very caring nature and we had enough room to take in other children who were in need."

The couple's most recent foster care child is a four-year-old boy who has been with their family for about two years.

Mr Edyvane said the boy, who came to them after his mother could no longer care for him, was part of the family. "The girls have taken him in as their own brother."

Mr Edyvane said it had been a "wonderful breakthrough" when the boy first called him Dad. "He never had any real contact with his own dad, but he's finally accepted and allowed himself to be part of our family."

Mr and Mrs Edyvane have recently applied for permanent guardianship of the young boy.

Anglicare's Jessica Noske-Turner said children of foster carers shared their toys, pets, home and parents. "So we think they are very deserving of this recognition."

A foster care information session will be held from 7.30-8.30pm on November 11 at 7-11 Shipley Street, Box Hill. Details: 1300889335 or fostercare.eastern@anglicare.vic. org.au