And yet it's been wrongly thought of as an impediment to becoming a foster carer.

Foster carers are always needed and, those in charge of running the program on the Border say, now is as good a time as any to get involved.

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Wodonga's Rebecca Barry and Else de Villiers had themselves in the doubters' corner for many years.

It's not that they didn't think they were worthy of being foster parents, but rather they just didn't give themselves that extra push to get involved.

It wasn't that they didn't think it would be a big step to take, but now they have it's brought joy to their lives and most importantly, joy and stability to the lives of the children who have come through their door in the past four years.

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It's been a tale of love and laughter, one they will never regret.

For every potential foster carer though who doesn't have the confidence to take a similar step there clearly will be children who will miss out on the special qualities that could be brought to their lives.

For Ms Barry, one thing holding her back was owning a Rottweiler, that this might exclude them from the program.

But, as she can see now, the simple fact is that "kids grow up in all sorts of homes".

We all know how crucial those early years and the time as a teenager are in helping children reach their potential, in becoming well-rounded, well-adjusted adults.

It is why anyone who has perhaps thought about becoming a foster carer but let doubt hold them back, of someone who has never before given it thought, should at least get in touch and see how they could possibly get involved.

As Upper Murray Family Care's Jeanine Aughey points out: "The more variety we have in our households, the better we can match a child."

For that is what it comes down to: giving kids who deserve a chance just that.

Becoming a foster carer need not be a difficult decision to make.