When Biljana Vitor picked up premature baby *Lucy, the very premature infant seemed to “melt” into her arms.
Biljana, who most people know as Bili, is part of a team of Department for Child Protection (DCP) volunteers who visited Lucy’s hospital crib for more than two months, providing the baby with love, care and countless cuddles.
The 37-year-old began supporting DCP last year, quickly taking to the special assignment her local volunteer coordinator offered her, along with two other volunteers.
Lucy was in need of some special attention, and Bili had the joy of visiting up to four times a week, spending a couple of hours cuddling the infant and reading stories.
“It was just an instinct to pick her up and cuddle her and care for her,” Bili says.
“It felt as if she just melted into my arms - she was so calm and comfortable and would just snuggle and sleep.”
Bili is among about 180 volunteers assisting children through a range of tasks, from driving them to school and visits with family members, to supporting them with homework and attendance at community events.
Bili, who works in governance, risk and compliance management in state government and not-for-profit education and training, is also studying a Diploma of Counselling. She has a particular interest in trauma-informed care in early childhood and child protection reform – which led to her taking up a volunteer role with DCP.
Baby Lucy now lives in kinship care with family members, and Bili says she feels lucky to have played such an important role in the first part of her life.
“When I would walk toward her crib and call her name, she almost seemed to recognise my voice and she would make little noises – it was really cute,” she says.
“Knowing I was able to assist this young child in some way at the most vulnerable time of her life, was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences I’ve had.”
Bili’s usual role with the department’s volunteer team involves driving children to school, appointments and visits with family members.
“I look forward to every single opportunity I volunteer with DCP. Something as simple as driving children to spend time with their parents, means that they are building those bridges and relationships with them – this goes a long way for both the children and the parents,” she says.
"An observation I've made with most of the children I have transported is their remarkable maturity for their age. These children have had no choice but to grow up quickly.
"In terms of the future direction of the volunteer program, I do hope to see an increase in sports and recreational activities for the children, supported by our efforts.
“We are currently discussing how we can further assist the children and their families in this space.”
During National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), the department hosted events across Adelaide and regional areas to thank volunteers for the important roles they play in creating safe, supportive environments for children.
Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said volunteers like Bili provided "an extra layer of love and care to children who most need support" and were an "essential" part of the child protection and family support system.
"Supporting children and young people to be safe, loved and nurtured is up to everyone," she said.
"The almost 200 volunteers helping children in care offer extraordinary support and compassion. I thank them on behalf of the Government and all South Australians for stepping up and playing their part. Their efforts are deeply appreciated.
"For anybody considering volunteering to support children and young people who’ve gone through some pretty difficult circumstances, please reach out – it may be one of the most rewarding things you ever do and it will absolutely make a difference."
To find out more about volunteering with DCP, visit childprotection.sa.gov.au/volunteers
*Not her real name