Very Special Kids supports over 850 families caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, from diagnosis through to recovery or bereavement. Support services include counselling, sibling and bereavement support, trained family support volunteers and care at Very Special Kids House-Victoria’s only and Australia’s first hospice for children. The House is a unique place where parents can leave their seriously ill child, knowing that the child will receive specialist care while the parents take a break and spend time with their other children. The House is also a place where children can receive end-of-life care in peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Our vision is that all families of children with life-threatening illnesses are able to access quality services that meet their needs. It costs approximately $4 million per year to run Very Special Kids, and we receive only 20% of our total operating costs from the Government. There is no charge to families for our services.
