Caring for children and young people with disability
At a glance
- understanding a child’s needs through culture, story and daily routines
- practical supports to help carers feel confident
- guidance on working with disability services and the NDIS
- tips for helping children build friendships and feel understood
- planning early to support a safe, strong future for the child
When a Child with Disability Joins Your Home
Every child deserves to feel safe, seen and supported. When a child or young person with disability comes to live with you, they bring their own strengths, interests, routines and story. Your home becomes a place where they can grow, recover, explore and belong.
You will receive information that helps you understand what supports the child — things like daily routines, medications, communication preferences, sensory needs, equipment they use, or people who are important to them. This information often comes from their family, community, past carers and professionals who know the child well.
For Aboriginal children or children rom a culturally diverse background, their cultural identity, kinship ties, Country and community are central to feeling safe and strong. If family or community have shared cultural information, this is just as important as health or learning information.
Tips for new carers
- Start with warmth, patience and curiosity — the child may feel unsure at first.
- Keep their routines steady for the first few weeks.
- Notice what helps them feel calm.
- Ask your caseworker if anything is unclear — you don’t have to know everything on day one.
- Remember: belonging takes time, and you don’t have to rush the relationship.
Children with disability have the same right to joy, friendships, learning and community life as all other children. Their disability may affect how they move, learn, communicate or take in the world around them — but it does not define their whole identity.
A holistic view includes:
- Health and developmental needs
- Cultural identity and belonging
- Emotional safety and trauma history
- Communication strengths
- Supports from family, kin and community
- What helps them feel understood
If they are receiving disability supports, you may be asked to be part of conversations with services so everyone can work together in a way that feels safe and respectful.
Tips for new carers
- Ask: “What helps them feel safe? What helps them engage?”
- Write down patterns you notice — small details matter.
- If something feels overwhelming, reach out early.
- Always frame behaviour as communication, not as “defiance” or “difficulty.”
Your role is to provide a stable, nurturing home where the child feels valued and connected. You are not expected to be an expert — your everyday care, patience and encouragement make the biggest difference.
If you're an Aboriginal carer, your cultural knowledge and connections are powerful strengths. Many non‑Aboriginal carers also support Aboriginal children; in these cases, workers should help you connect with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), community leaders and safe cultural advisors.
The system should work with you, not direct you. Your insight into the child’s daily experiences is essential.
Tips for new carers
- Trust your instincts — you understand the child through everyday moments.
- Celebrate small wins and strengths.
- Ask your caseworker about cultural safety supports if caring for an Aboriginal child or a child from a culturally diverse background.
- Remember: you’re part of a team, but your presence in the child’s life is unique.
Some children may need extra supports such as:
- mobility or communication devices
- home or vehicle adjustments
- sensory tools
- sleepovers or time with another trusted family to give everyone space (sometimes called “respite”)
- specialist health or therapy services
Your worker can help explore these options in partnership with you. You do not need to navigate services alone.
Tips for new carers
- Keep a notebook of questions — raise them with your caseworker.
- Let your caseworker know early if you notice a new need or concern.
- Ask for training when needed; it’s okay to build skills as you go.
- Advocate calmly — your voice helps shape supports for the child.
DCJ and accredited agencies can support carers by:
- assessing the needs of the child or young person
- organising placements and respite services (where available)
- providing ongoing carer education and training
- helping determine carer allowances and additional financial support
- supporting access to disability services, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Some children may find social situations overwhelming or tiring. This isn’t a “problem” — it’s a sign we need to understand their communication style, sensory needs and past experiences.
Friendships grow when children feel accepted and supported.
You can help by:
- practising greetings and simple conversations
- modelling kindness and listening
- choosing activities that match their strengths
- noticing when they’re tired or overloaded
- making space for quiet time without pressure
Tips for new carers
- Start with one‑to‑one play before group activities.
- Let the child set the pace — don’t force interactions.
- Celebrate brave steps, even small ones.
- Keep communication simple and clear.
As children grow, we help them prepare for adulthood in a way that honours their strengths, culture and abilities.
Planning includes:
- ongoing NDIS supports
- education and training pathways
- life skills
- cultural identity and community involvement
- staying connected with family and kin
- confidence in navigating the world as a young adult
For Aboriginal young people, connection to culture, Country, Elders and community remains essential — not optional.
Tips for new carers
- Encourage the child to try new things safely.
- Talk about future goals in a simple, hopeful way.
- Help them build skills slowly over time.
- Keep cultural identity front and centre.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS is a national scheme that supports people with permanent and significant disability.
The NDIS:
- connects children and young people with disability to community and mainstream supports
- funds reasonable and necessary disability-specific supports
- aims to help people pursue their goals and participate in everyday life.
The type and level of NDIS support is based on an assessment by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
If you care for a child or young person with disability:
- speak with your caseworker first about accessing the NDIS
- your caseworker will lead the access and planning process with the NDIA, working with you
- carers play an important role in sharing information about the child’s daily needs and strengths.
Leaving care planning is especially important for young people with disability. Planning should ensure disability supports continue as they transition to adulthood, working closely with the NDIS and mainstream services.
For general information about the NDIS, visit the NDIS website or Disability Gateway. For advice about a child in care, always speak with your caseworker first.
Useful online resources
These trusted websites may be helpful for carers:
- Disability Gateway – information on disability supports and services: disabilitygateway.gov.au
- NDIS – general information about the scheme: ndis.gov.au
- Raising Children with Disability – practical parenting information
- Raising children network - practical support for raising children with disability
- Early Childhood Intervention – early intervention supports
- Carers NSW– advice and support for carers: carersnsw.org.au
Your caseworker can help you understand which resources are most relevant to the child in your care.
Caring for a child with disability can be both rewarding and complex. With the right information, supports and partnerships, carers play a vital role in helping children feel safe, included and supported to thrive.