Rhonda Miller, the project officer for CareSouth’s Family Choices program Southern region, has only one thing on her Christmas wish list this year: every young person in CareSouth’s Family Choices program finds a respite carer who is perfect for them.

“In an ideal world that would be what we are hoping for. We want every young person who comes into our program to find their perfect match,” said Rhonda.

CareSouth’s Family Choices program supports families who have a child living with a disability by matching them with a respite carer who is willing to open their hearts and home to a child and their family.

Children in the program come from loving, caring homes but are in need of an extra support network, someone who can provide some individual attention to a child with complex needs, while also giving their family a break.

“The Family Choices program has provided some wonderful links between families and carers which have been rewarding not only for the child with a disability but for the carer and birth family,” said Rhonda.

“Right now we really need to find carers for two children in the Illawarra, one in the Shoalhaven and two in the Bega/Bodalla area. Unfortunately there is a bit of a fear around the word disability and people tend to see the disability before they see the child,” said Rhonda.

“But once they get past that, and they begin to learn about the child’s individual needs, they often become a part of that child’s extended family. And that is what this program is all about. We want to find carers who are willing to be part of a team, who will spend time with a child so that their families can do the things that we take for granted, like go out for dinner.”

Johnny*, a 14-year-old boy with Down’s Syndrome, is one of the children whom Rhonda would dearly love to match with the perfect carer.

Johnny lives with his Mum, who has no other family support networks. Johnny is an active young teen who loves outdoor activities like riding his bike and bushwalking.

“Johnny’s Mum has limited social connections and often doesn’t feel like she has anyone to turn to when things get tough so life can often get a bit overwhelming,” said Rhonda.

“As a single mother of a child with complex needs, she really needs a break every now and then. And Johnny would thrive in the company of a family who were able to take him to the beach for a bike ride or go for a bush walk every few weeks.

“Finding the perfect match isn’t easy, but when you get that match and it works it’s a beautiful thing,” said Rhonda.

If you are interested in becoming a CareSouth Family Choices carer please contact 1300 554 260