Foster carers Peter and Jo say there’s “symphony in the chaos” of a household with six children.

The Upper Spencer Gulf couple had three of their own biological children and have also taken on the care of three other primary school-aged siblings, supported by Centacare Catholic Country.

Jo says the children all look out for each other and in particular, have rallied around the couple’s youngest foster child, *Dale, who lives with significant disabilities.

“He’s become the centrepiece for the whole family – they all love him, help him and look after him. Because they see his disability, it draws out their compassion – it’s beautiful.”

The Department for Child Protection is sharing Jo and Peter’s story 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.

Jo says the role isn’t without its challenges, including navigating the child protection system’s decision-making process and changes in case management staffing.

“There’s a lot of phone calls and a lot of time and meetings, but that helps keep the children safe,” she says.

Jo is a full-time carer and Peter owns his own wellbeing business, acknowledging that being self-employed also helps the couple to manage its “full dance card”. Good organisation is also key, he says.

“I feel very blessed to be in a position where we can see two sets of siblings grow up together and be involved in raising them,” Peter says.

“Not only does fostering a child make an enormous contribution to their life, but it also helps support your local community as well.”

During Foster and Kinship Carer Week, the department is hosting about 20 events across the state to recognise the vital role carers play in the child protection and family support sector.

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

*Name has been changed for privacy reasons