As the expression goes, it takes a village to raise a child - and never more so than for foster carers Leonie and Malcolm.

The saintly couple, who live on a 2.5ha block alongside the River Murray near Blanchetown, are currently caring for nine children, most with special needs.

They also have three biological children in their thirties and 11 grandchildren.

“It’s our village,” Leonie said.

“We had influenza go through the place a little while ago and I had to spend a week in hospital with the 15-month-old baby. Everyone pitched in.”

The couple, both 56, who are being celebrated by the Department for Child Protection during Foster and Kinship Carer Week (8-14 September), moved to the Riverland 11 years ago.

They were living in Andrews Farm and travelling to a holiday home every weekend before they finally decided to buy the block near Blanchetown, which now has a nine-bedroom home.

Malcolm, who Leonie describes as a rock, still commutes to Adelaide every day to operate his construction business.

“A lot of our kids were struggling in town, so we decided to make a lifestyle change,” Leonie said.

“We’ve never looked back.”

The couple has had seven children and young people under long-term guardianship, including three who are now adults and who have since moved out. One of those adults, a 24-year-old woman who needs lifetime care, now lives with Leonie’s daughter Monique.

In the home, ages range from the 15-month-old to 17-year-old twins.

The couple, supported by provider ac.care, became carers in their early thirties and around the same time Leonie suffered her second bout of breast cancer.

“I was worried the cancer would end my caring journey,” she said. “But I took my babies with me when I had chemo. It kept me going.

“We’ve been very clear why we do it – we just wanted to make a difference.

“You can’t paint it with roses; it’s been a challenge.

“I was never going to be a doctor, I was never going to be a dentist, but I’ve always loved children.”

Department for Child Protection Chief Executive Jackie Bray said Leonie and Malcom were among the state’s most incredible carers.

“Leonie and Malcolm have given up so much of their lives to care for vulnerable children,” she said. “Their little village of love in the Riverland is just so inspirational.

“Foster and Kinship Carer Week is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to celebrate people like the Leonie and Malcolm, and to remind those who are considering becoming a carer just what the rewards can be.”

Ac.care Out Of Home Care lead practitioner Shalini McCarthy said the country agency was fortunate to work alongside an incredible network of foster carers who support children and young people to shine every day.

“These amazing people from all walks of life provide the safety, care and support to vulnerable babies, children and young people when they need it most,” she said.

“Their care is transforming the lives of young people and we hope their commitment inspires more country people to start their own journey to becoming a foster carer.

“Long-term foster carers are vital, but there are varying levels of time and commitment you can provide to support a child or young person, including respite for weekends, through to emergency, short-term or long-term care.”

Leonie’s reward is supporting the varied needs of the children she cares for, most of who battle health issues.

She urges others to consider caring, pointing out there are so many children who need support.

But she argues you don’t have to be Wonder Woman or Superman.

“At the end of the day anybody can do this,” she said. “All you need is a room, love to give and time. You need plenty of time.”

For more information on becoming a carer click here, or call ac.care during business hours on 1300 ACCARE, visit www.accare.org.au or follow the agency’s Facebook page to be alerted to upcoming information sessions.

This article was prepared by the Department for Child Protection and is reproduced here with permission.