Since 1998, TLC for Kids has given relief and much-needed distraction to sick children and their families during stressful and traumatic situations. In hospitals across Australia, our services have been used over 10.7 million times and counting.
Our critical support programs are now being used over 1 million times per year, and we are constantly working towards doing more and reaching more children and families in need.
We are a safety net for our community’s most vulnerable.
Upon referral from Healthcare Professionals, we give individualised practical and emotional support, both in and out of hospital, when it’s needed the most. Whether it’s a one-off hospital visit or a prolonged struggle with illness, we are part of the extended support network for sick children, providing collaborative care and emergency relief. We know little things make a big difference. 
Our Programs & Services
The TLC Ambulance
The TLC Ambulance delivers special moments to sick children in palliative care, transporting them to their most treasured places to experience that joy one last time. Volunteer Ambulance Victoria paramedics drive a fun, purpose-built ambulance to transport the child and their family and the whole experience is captured on film to create a lasting memory.
Distraction Boxes
A therapeutic kit used by healthcare professionals to guide young children through painful procedures. Specially selected toys and books engage the child, divert attention, and reduce the anxiety & fear associated with hospital visits. The majority of healthcare professionals consider their Distraction Box a critical part of their care.
Rapid TLC
Approved healthcare professionals identify a child or family requiring help and submit requests on their behalf for items, services, memorable experiences or financial assistance. Within 24-48 hours we action the request, providing practical and emotional relief to kids and families when and where they need it most.
A Few Stories
There are thousands of children and families who have benefited from our services. As much as we would love to share each and every story, we just don’t have enough space to do so on the website. Instead, we have put together a handful for your reading pleasure. If you would like to read a few stories of some of the Rapid TLC requests we have fulfilled, click the link below.
What Makes Us Unique
Why We Care
We assist Healthcare Professionals in delivering collaborative care to their patients.
Much research has been done globally about collaborative care for sick and disabled children – support for them and their families practically and emotionally in addition to their treatment and management of their medical conditions. This can reduce fear, anxiety, pain and ongoing psychosocial issues.
There is a significant need to support healthcare professionals to deliver this care, and our values, mission and vision define how we want the future to look for sick children, and how we will contribute.
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In Their Words
A Few Stories
Requests we have fulfilled
Elle, 11, has left slit ventrical syndrome; hydrocephalus; left side cerebral palsy; and Aspergers. Her family organised a trip to Sydney for some bonding and relaxation time, and we contributed travel insurance, Aquarium tickets and car hire.
We received some lovely feedback from the Boyd family: “Thank you all so much for the contributions towards our family Easter break to Sydney. It was so good to get away and enjoy some valuable quality time with each other. Your generosity and help made things a little easier.”
Stephen has Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia. We gave Stephen and his Mum a Finger Pulse Monitor and protective case, to help monitor Stephen’s oxygen saturation levels when he has asthma. We also included a Chuckles Audio Monitor to enable Mum to hear Stephen from another room, plus a box of Genius 2 Probe Covers to help out with his thermometer readings.
Theo has Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Vocal Cord Palsy. He requires 24-hour oximeter monitoring, nasogastric feeds, and a tracheostomy insitu. He needs suctioning every 5 minutes.
Check out the big smile on Kayla’s face! After we actioned a RAPID Request to help Kayla, we shipped the laptop to our Gold Coast Affiliate to deliver to Kayla and Dr. McMaster at Tweed Heads Hospital.
Brandon and his twin brother Joseph are both suffering complications due to prematurity. Their mother Thi has no financial support and was in great need of a pram for the boys.
With help from MAD Foundation, we were able to organise a a special double stroller and capsules for Brandon and Joseph.
Vinnie is 10 and suffers from Germinoma (brain tumour recurrence). We’ve helped Vinnie and his family a few times over the years.
His Mum sent us some pics of Vinnie, his sister Mia, and his adventures – we have a special soft spot for the photo of him in the soccer gear we organised for him