Libby De Kok: More Than Just a Job, It’s Her Calling

For Libby De Kok, working at OzChild isn’t just a job—it’s her calling. It’s something that moves her to tears when she talks about it, “I really love it, I’m really passionate about it. Any one of my friends will hear me bang on about it.” 

After nearly 30 years working in schools, Libby found her place within OzChild’s Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) program as a TFCO Teacher, a role that has transformed her perspective on child welfare. With every child she supports, every school transition she navigates and every graduation she witnesses, she knows she is part of something bigger—something life changing. 

Libby believes that predictability, consistency and relationships are key factors in providing stability at school, and are crucial for the children and young people in the program. “School is so important in these placements, whether they’re in foster care, kinship, TFCO—it’s so important that it’s stable.”  

She recalls a study she encountered at a recent conference, which found that 98% of children described as ‘happy, involved, and connected’ had a significant adult in their lives. “What we provide in TFCO is like bunches of significant adults,” Libby explains. “These kids have these role models—not just in the skills coaches and the individual therapists, but in their schools. And oftentimes, that’s kind of all the consistency that they have.” 

This is why every milestone matters. For Libby, nothing compares to the joy of seeing a child graduate from the TFCO-C program, a program that supports children aged 7-11 years. “We’ve had 34 graduations in TFCO-C,” she says. “I cannot believe the joy that comes from experiencing a graduation.” 

Beyond the children and young people she works with, Libby is deeply inspired by the people around her at OzChild. She describes the leadership as transformational, praising Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa J. Griffiths for her commitment not just to OzChild, but to the entire sector. 

“I used to say in schools that people laugh at me because I always say the fish rots from the head,” she says with a chuckle. “And it’s true, an organisation needs strong informed leadership with staff that believe in the goal or values. And even though everyone reckons Lisa’s unreal—and I really do as well—I rate her because she’s not all about OzChild. She’s about the sector. And I’m just happy to go along for the ride.”

When thinking about the work she does, and the wider TFCO team, working at OzChild is more than just having colleagues “because we’ve all got this common goal, it’s not just like we’re turning up to get our pay cheques. We are in this to make changes.” 

When asked how she sees herself contributing to change, Libby doesn’t hesitate. “I’d like to think that my passion speaks for itself,” she says. 

She talks about how she constantly advocates for the work OzChild does, encouraging her teacher friends to consider joining. She also acknowledges the progress made in the foster care system over her nearly seven years at OzChild, particularly the growing focus on strengthening families. 

Libby’s journey at OzChild is driven by a relentless commitment to making a difference. She carries the stories of the children she works with in her heart, celebrating their wins and mourning the hardships they’ve endured. 

“I always think when we get a new kid in that I can’t hear a worse backstory,” she admits. “But I’m sad to say that I keep getting shocked by these little people’s backstories. And then to see them move on—either back to family or onto a long-term foster care arrangement—it’s huge. And I’m so excited to be part of that.” 

For Libby, every child she works with is a chance to help change a life. Every placement, every graduation, and every moment of connection is a step toward a better future. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.