Children aren’t the only beneficiaries of Ros’s move into foster care.

“My sons are really pleased – I stopped nagging them about finding a nice girl and having children!” she says.

Ros, 69, was initially a little tentative whether foster care would be the right fit for her, but as her confidence grew, so did her love of caring for babies.

“Even at a couple of days old, they’ve got their own personalities and you have the challenge of finding out what they do or don’t like,” the Adelaide woman says.

“They’re happy little things if you’re lucky, and even the ones that aren’t happy to start with, you’re a source of soothing for them.”

The Department for Child Protection is sharing carers' stories in the lead up to Foster and Kinship Carer Week (13-19 September), which recognises the vital role family-based carers play in children’s lives.

Supported by AnglicareSA, Ros has also offered emergency and respite care, but says short-term placements suit her best, allowing her to get to know each of the infants before they’re either reunited with their parents or extended family, or another placement is found.

The grandmother has cared for more than 40 children – almost all infants.

During Foster and Kinship Carer Week, the Department for Child Protection will host about 20 events across the state, incluidng lunches, dinners and a high tea, to thank the state's carers.

For more information about foster care, visit fostercare.sa.gov.au or call 1300 2 FOSTER (1300 2 367 837).