"When I sit down at the end of the day, I have a big smile on my face and feel proud of what we are doing."
Today, they are his Special Guardians, providing him with the stability, security and love of a forever home.
For Caz, seeing the difference that permanence has made to the young boy's life has been incredibly rewarding. "He is more settled, he knows he belongs and this is his forever home," she says. "I am so proud of him and how much he has grown and achieved."
The journey to becoming Special Guardians has transformed not only his life, but theirs too. "It has made me stronger as a person," says Caz. "I am his advocate now and I am always fighting to get the best for him."
Like many kinship carers and special guardians, Caz acknowledges that there have been challenges along the way. That's why she is passionate about encouraging others in similar situations to seek support and connect with other families.
"The advice I would give to other SGOs and kinship carers is to reach out to the council and see what support is on offer and what support groups there are locally," she says.
"I attend a regular support group and you get to meet other families in similar situations and we all support each other. And you do need that support from other carers as it can be tough."
For Caz and Kev, having the right support network has helped them navigate the ups and downs of caring for a child who has experienced difficulties in their early life.
One of the things Caz is most proud of is the positive relationship they have built with the little boy's birth family. "We've built a good relationship with his birth mum, which helps him to feel safe and secure for the future."
Looking back, Caz says becoming a Special Guardian is a role she wouldn't change for the world. "It has been challenging at times but I wouldn't have it any other way. He's the love of my life."
And it is the everyday moments that remind her why she stepped forward to care for him. "When I sit down at the end of the day, I have a big smile on my face and feel proud of what we are doing."
During Kinship Care Week, Caz's story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing difference that kinship carers and special guardians make every day, giving children the love, stability and sense of belonging they need to thrive.