A review of NSW's out-of-home care arrangements paints a picture of a system plagued by inconsistent decision-making, lack of accountability and consultation which "punishes parents, carers and children".
Don't like Mondays? This community has come up with a great reason to get out of bed
As someone living with depression and schizophrenia, Mondays have always been a struggle for Fiona Stone. But now the Grafton musician has found a way to "kick-start the week".
Topic:Feel Good
Photo shows Word is spreading about the fun times at NDIS Mondays'Misogynistic monster' who raped woman with an intellectual disability confronted by victim's foster mother in court
Adelaide disability worker Arjun Kandel, who raped a woman with an intellectual disability, has been described as "shameless" and "misogynistic" in South Australia's District Court.
Photo shows A man with short dark hair wearing sunglasses and a blue spotty face mask'Blend like cousins': Mockingbird foster program mimics extended family
A foster care program that links up parents to create an extended family-like environment has helped improve carer retention and created better placement stability for children — with the program's facilitator now looking to further expand the program across the country.
Topic:Feel Good
Photo shows Julie Critchley and her husband next to a Mockingbird signOngoing decline in Victorian foster carers spurs urgent calls for increased allowance
Greg Lacey and his family were foster carers for three years but the mounting pressure on carers felt all-consuming.
Photo shows Man standing with two daughters either side with kitchen in backgroundDisability organisations facing redundancies as community prepares for royal commission and NDIS changes
Disability groups say federal budget funding cuts will leave them less able to support vulnerable Australians as the government rolls out widespread changes to services and supports.
Photo shows A middle aged white woman without a right arm sits outside in a motorised wheelchair, wearing a striped shirt and big glasses.What it takes to be a 'cuddle carer': Advice from a veteran of 1,000 hugs
When Jenny Summerson answered a newspaper ad in the 1990s for a hospital helper, she had no idea she'd become an expert cuddler in the maternity ward.
Photo shows A tiny baby sleeping on someone's chestFree autism support service faces 'heartbreaking' closure after federal funding is axed
A free autism support network in South West WA may be forced to close its doors after being defunded by the federal government, even though it reports growing demand.
Photo shows A woman wearing glasses sits on a red picnic rug with two young boys, one wearing a top with cars on it, the other with PokemonFamilies face 'loss, guilt and anger' as they deal with a genetic disease that has no cure or treatment
For years now, Natalia Rossiter has provided 24-hour care for her husband who has Huntington's disease, but she wonders how she can continue without psychological support.
Photo shows A close up photo of a woman wearing glasses in front of a red treeJake's support worker tells him to settle down. Seconds later, there's a sickening crack and a cry of pain
An ABC investigation uncovers a series of allegations by former workers blowing the whistle on mistreatment, neglect and excessive use of force against people with disabilities being cared for by NDIS provider Evolution Support Services.
Photo shows A still from a video showing a confrontation between two men standing up as others watch on.NDIS provider accused of excessive use of force against people with disabilities
A 7.30 investigation has uncovered new allegations of rough treatment and shocking footage from inside an NDIS provider of last resort.
Has Video Duration: 12 minutes 20 seconds.Women with disabilities fear government response to domestic violence threat will leave them behind
While those fleeing a violent partner are eligible for a $5,000 payment, that doesn't apply to those trying to escape a carer or family member.
Photo shows A white woman in an electric wheelchair is walking her dog with a pink leash. She's in front of green grass and a BRISBANE signMore older Australians are left to navigate ageing alone. Here's what help is available
From helplines to hiring someone to do their paperwork, many of our seniors could use a hand dealing with an increasingly complex aged care system. It "takes a village" to help them too, say advocates, and this is where to start.
Photo shows A young girl's hand over an elderly man's hand sitting on the arm of a chair.This man set up his dream career playing video games, sparked by NDIS failures
He struggled through school, couldn't cope at university, and lives with a rare genetic condition, but somehow Will Golding used his disability to create his dream career — and a place to support others like him.
Photo shows A man with short brown hair smiles softly with his arms crossed.'I left my job because of it': Workers who care for loved ones say leave requirements require too much paperwork
Workers employed under awards, who also provide care to loved ones with ongoing conditions, say a "cumbersome and burdensome" leave process has left them struggling to get basic entitlements.
Photo shows A photo of Lani. She is in her early 20s, has fair skin, blue eyes and long blonde hair.NDIS worker accused of indecently assaulting elderly aged care resident
The 27-year-old man was employed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme to work at aged care facilities around Perth and allegedly assaulted the elderly resident at a home in the western suburbs.
Photo shows The logo of the NDIS imprinted on a grey buildingMother heartbroken as son 'loses everything' from chronic fatigue
Lying on his bed 24 hours a day in complete darkness, Dan Harris's life is slipping away. His parents want money put into research to help the quarter of a million Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
Photo shows Serious looking woman facing camera, open patio structure in background, table, surfboard on wall, plantsAt 70, Neysa is embracing the start of her 'retirement career'
Restless with retirement, former corporate high-flyer Nesya King didn't want to "wait for God". She was drawn back to her first career — nursing — and 30 years out of the game, she returned to university to become qualified.
Photo shows A grey haired woman standing in a hospital hallway smiles.Tips for carers during the festive season
Providing care to loved ones during the festive season can be stressful. Juliet Middleton provides a few simple tips to reduce anxiety and ease the burden to the carer.
Has Video Duration: 3 minutes 42 seconds.'Pushy' tele-fundraisers pressure pensioner into donating $18k as family calls for crackdown
When John Carter was moving into care earlier this year, his family was sorting through his belongings and made an alarming discovery.
Photo shows Man looks at his phoneResidents 'feeling a bit smug' in claiming victory to stay in Byron Bay aged care village
It seemed like a David versus Goliath battle, but eight elderly residents who refused to leave a Feros Care aged care village when it announced it selling up are now claiming victory.
Photo shows Two elderly women and an elderly man raise their linked hands in celebration.