The party, which coincided with National Children's Week, was held by Anglicare Victoria on October 26 in Croydon to thank children who have grown up with their parents taking in other children who need a home.

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

Mr Edyvane said his 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 the family for about two years.

Mr Edyvane said the boy was now part of the family.

"You've got to compensate for the different personality because of their experience, but the girls have taken him in as their own brother.

"It took probably 12 months for him to feel comfortable."

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'd finally allowed himself to be part of our family."

A foster care information session will be held at 7-11 Shipley Street, Box Hill, on November 11. Details: fostercare.eastern@anglicarevic.o rg.au or 1300 889 335.