Centacare Foster Care Program

We are beyond proud of Ann Kasprzak for her incredible 37-year career in child protection, mental health and foster care. Her pioneering work in therapeutic practice has transformed the lives of countless children and families. Congratulations to Ann on being named a finalist in the Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards. 💙 🏆

Department for Child Protection SA Centacare Catholic Community Services

💙 Celebrating an extraordinary career.

Ann Kasprzak from Centacare Catholic Community Services has dedicated 37 years to supporting children, families and carers, making a lasting impact across child protection, mental health and foster care.

Her remarkable contribution has earned her a place as a finalist in the Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement category at the 2026 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards.

🏆 Winners will be announced on 9 October.

Find out more about the awards 👉🏾 www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/awards

⭐️ Information Session 🏡
Join us at our upcoming online information session on the 15th October at 6pm - 7.30pm 🧡 If you think you could make a positive difference to a child or young person's life and are based in Greater Adelaide - we'd love to meet you.
👉Register here: https://www.centacare.org.au/courses-events/foster-care-online
📞Or call 8159 1400 to learn more
Department for Child Protection SA Centacare Catholic Community Services

A huge shout out to our generous supporters who helped make even more special. 🎁💛

Sticks and Stones Outdoor donated planter pots, while Natio Australia provided luxe hand creams and heavily discounted hand washes. Brewed By Belinda created a customised loose-leaf tea blend designed for ultimate relaxation, and Baylies Epicurean Delights supplied a delicious range of indulgent cookies. We also thank hummingpea, who created customised seed paper that carers can simply plant in their gardens, water, and watch bloom into beautiful flowers over the coming months. A big thank you to these businesses who helped bring joy and meaningful gifts for our carers. 🙏🥰

Centacare Catholic Community Services Department for Child Protection SA

Every year we come together to celebrate our amazing carers within our program for Foster and Kinship Carer Week. This years’ theme is titled ‘Creating Brighter Futures through Care’ and we couldn’t agree more that our carers truly emulate this statement. Our annual Carer Appreciation Lunch was held at the Joiners Arms this year, with over 30 of our dedicated carers in attendance. Our afternoon commenced with a heart felt Acknowledgement of Country led by our Aboriginal Cultural Practitioner Izzy, an Adnyamathanha man, who honoured the Kaurna people, the Traditional Custodians of the land, in his own language.

Guests were then greeted by Placement Manager, Jennifer Boyle, who shared inspiring words of gratitude and appreciation for our carers. Jenny reflected on how she feels privileged that carers having chosen Centacare to support and walk alongside them throughout their foster care journey. This includes sharing in the challenges of caring for children in care and navigating complex systems, while also celebrating the small but meaningful wins along the way. Jenny also acknowledged the “many fierce advocates in the room who continue to champion children’s rights and ensure children’s voices are heard.”

Following Jenny’s welcome note, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and lunch-time entertainment brought to the carers by Carer Support Practitioner, Anne Bartholomaeus and Recruitment Officer, Claire Davies. Carers and staff joined forces to participate in an interactive quiz which brought lots of laughs, a lively atmosphere and some friendly competitive rivalry. Yvanna, one of our carers shared, “Centacare Foster Care created a space filled with connection, meaning, and that warm, joyful atmosphere that seems to be woven into everything you do. It was such a lovely day, and I’m grateful for the care and thought that went into making it special for all of us.” We are continually inspired by our carers resilience, compassion, nurture and care in the countless ways they support and advocate for the children. Thank you Carers! 🫶🤍

Centacare Catholic Community Services Department for Child Protection SA

💛 During Napcan National Child Protection Week, Centacare staff and partners came together to explore how we can create better outcomes for children, young people and families through collaboration and collective action.

⭐️ Information Session 🏡
Join us at our upcoming online information session on the 15th September at 6pm - 7.30pm🧡 If you think you could make a positive difference to a child or young person's life and are based in Greater Adelaide - we'd love to meet you.
👉Register here: https://www.centacare.org.au/courses-events/foster-care-online
📞Or call 8159 1400 to learn more
Department for Child Protection SA Centacare Catholic Community Services

🏉 Thanks to the generosity of the Port Adelaide Football Club, a number of our dedicated carers and the children and young people they support were able to enjoy a fantastic day at the footy a few weekends ago. 🖤🤍💙

Our carers make a meaningful difference every day, providing support, encouragement and connection to the people in their care. Opportunities like this offer a chance to relax, have fun and create lasting memories together.

One of our carers shared “Thank you for providing those tickets to us, we had an amazing night. Our little person was extremely excited to catch the train, get a chicken snitty for dinner, and sing “Never Tear Us Apart” before the game. We have a new Port fan on our hands, he asked if we could go again next week!”.

From cheering on the Power to enjoying the atmosphere and spending quality time together, the day was filled with excitement, laughter and community spirit. We are incredibly grateful to Port Adelaide Football Club for making this experience possible and for recognising the important role carers play in our community.

Reminder!🏡Our upcoming online information session will go live on the 25th August at 6pm🧡 If you think you could make a positive difference to a child or young peron's life and are you based in Greater Adelaide - we'd love to meet you. Join us at our upcoming online information session and learn how you can support a child in need and make a lasting difference.
👉Register here: https://www.centacare.org.au/courses-events/foster-care-online
📞Or call 8159 1400 to learn more
Department for Child Protection SA Centacare Catholic Community Services