Yousif's story
From the age of six, Yousif moved in and out of foster care and his parents' homes. By the age of 12, he was made a full ward of the state.
Yousif spent time in different types of care including a family group home, and a semi-independent living program, which he describes as an inconsistent, disrupted time.
When Yousif was 15-years-old, he went to live with long-term foster parents Karen* and Peter*.
"As soon as I had positive, patient, fair and firm people in my life, I became a better person," said Yousif.
"My foster parents took the time and effort to involve me in their family. They gave me responsibility, boundaries and stability, and they taught me to commit to myself."
"My foster parents respected me. If I was acting up or seemed a bit low, they would sit me down and ask me how I was feeling or what was going on."
"It was a real family environment with rosters and responsibilities, Sunday breakfasts and family Christmases. It was a home and I was a part of the family."
Yousif was born with cerebral palsy. Within the first few months of being in his new foster family, he underwent a series of surgeries on his legs.
"Karen* was like my second mum. She nursed, fed and medicated me. She made sure I went to physio and encouraged me to have the right frame of mind."
"She taught me that not everything is going to be all-bad all of the time. A lot of kids don't get to have that experience."
Yousif is now 27-years-old and works with children in out-of-home care as a residential care worker. He advocates passionately for foster children and is proud to be there for them as best he can.
*Names have been changed