After suffering a severe family breakdown and subsequent rejection, Elly and her sister were placed in care with one of Kids Under Cover's member agencies.

Although she benefited from her time with a caring family, at 16 years of age Elly fell pregnant. To add to her stress, she was also diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, Lupis SLE. Thankfully for Elly, and unlike many other young girls in her situation, she received support from her high school and through them was placed in the care of CARA Inc. This member organisation specialises in helping young girls cope with pregnancy and motherhood.

With the support of CARA and Kids Under Cover, Elly has now become a loving mother, completed her VCE and been accepted to study Nursing at RMIT.

Having overcome many hurdles in her young life, Elly has this advice to pass on: "If you want something badly enough you can achieve it with a little encouragement and support and a  determined belief in yourself".