The Mount Gambier resident and her husband Dion care for three children as well as having four biological children.

Among the children they care for is a child with a hearing disability and developmental delay.

At the beginning of 2022, the child was struggling with reading but now, amid the use of a range of supports, Kate understands she is sitting at slightly above the reading level expected of students in her grade.

It is outcomes such as this one that make her role as a carer so rewarding, says Kate, who also works as a disability support worker.

“Her speech has (also) come a long way,” she says.

The Department for Child Protection is sharing the carer’s story today, ahead of International Day of People with Disability on Saturday (December 3).

Kate says her role as a carer sometimes involves navigating challenging behaviours, but there is much help available from the department and her support agency Life Without Barriers.

She says a speech pathologist and psychologist are helping support her in her caring role.

“I’m dealing with a lot of challenges that I didn’t have to deal with, with my own children, so it’s all a learning curve,” she says.

“When you do achieve something, you think it’s worth that stress.”

Kate was inspired to become a carer after living with her aunty from the time she was 11 years old and wanting to “give back” to help others.

Simone Mather, state director of Life Without Barriers’ children youth and families, says carers play an important role in opening their homes to care, love and support the state’s most vulnerable children, many of whom may have experienced trauma or live with disability.

“Our carers are supported by a dedicated support team, have access to therapeutic and educational supports, regular respite and ongoing monthly training,” Simone said.

“With all foster carers, we have someone available 24/7, through our dedicated on-call service, to assist with advice, support or direction in any situation, or when an emergency arises.

“Our specialist staff work with children and alongside carers where additional support is needed.”

International Day of People with Disability aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

The Department for Child Protection has a Disability and Development Program with specialist allied health staff to provide advice about how to get the right supports and services in place for children and young people in care with disability or developmental delay.

You can read more about other disability-specific resources available to carers on the carer section of our website.