Foster carer and her husband have looked after more than 400 children

Greensborough’s Kerryn Longmuir and husband Stephen began fostering children 35 years ago and by their estimate have looked after more than 400 over that time.

When it comes to caring for kids, Kerryn Longmuir is in a league of her own.

The Greensborough foster carer has looked after more than 400 children with her husband Stephen as her trusty “sidekick”.

The Longmuirs started taking in foster kids 35 years ago after they had two children of their own, Tracey, now 45, and Mathew, 42.

“I decided there was room for one more child,” Ms Longmuir, 66, said.

Her first placement was a girl, 2, “who had nappies, a dummy and worms”.

“I got rid of the nappies, the dummy and the worms,” she said. “Her mother ­appreciated it so much, and so I kept going and going.”

Over the years the Longmuirs have been approved for up to seven foster-care kids at a time, but now it’s only four as they care for three children permanently.

“The children stay anything from one night to one week, or a year, maybe two years. It depends on what’s happening with the courts,” Ms Longmuir said.

Kerryn Longmuir and some of her extended family. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I try to make it the best place for them and I like the chance to keep sibling groups together.”

On the day the Herald Sun caught up with her, Ms Longmuir was juggling multiple ­lacrosse games, needed to get to a drama concert, and still had to fit in some shopping.

As well, she was looking after an 11-week-old baby.

“The baby came when she was just two days old,” she said. “She’s going to be adopted soon. I love it when that happens. It’s the best present ever for the new parents.”

Ms Longmuir does two loads of washing daily, cooks endlessly and, with the help of Stephen and his van, drops an ever-changing roster of kids to schools and kinders.

MORE: EXTEND FOSTER CARE TO 21

FOSTER CARERS MAY BE PAID

And yet she insists it’s “just a normal house”.

“It can be very busy but that’s what I like,” she said.

Sadly, foster carers are dwindling in number, and agencies like Berry Street are struggling to find enough carers for the 10,000 kids annually in child protection.

“Those placed in foster care have consistently better experiences and outcomes,” said Berry Street CEO ­Michael Perusco.

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