Fury over city autism snub

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren mother is furious that City of Casey Council failed to give her respite care while she was pregnant and caring for her disabled twin sons.
Rachael Woolley, 31 is upset her four-year-old autistic sons, Jake and Cooper, have been on a respite waiting list for two months ,during which she was expecting her fourth child.
She needed the extra care so she could focus on the latter stages of her pregnancy.
Ms Woolley said the council refused to help because her sons were attending a special school in Clayton.
“They said they didn’t have to help me because my boys were spending two days at the special school,” Ms Woolley said.
Ms Woolley labelled Casey as one of the worst run councils for children with disabilities and believes there are other mothers in the same situation.
“I needed some help, that’s why I contacted them,” Ms Woolley said.
Still seeking assistance, Ms Woolley enrolled her boys into a council speech therapy program but was put on another waiting list.
“Everyone wants the best for their kids and it’s very upsetting when you can’t help them,” Ms Woolley said.
Casey council refused to comment on Ms Woolley’s case for fear it would breach the privacy act.
Sophia Petrov, City of Casey acting director for community services said assessment waiting times for respite care can vary depending on the availability of appropriate staff.
“The council works to ensure that specific needs of the client are matched with an appropriate care worker,” Ms Petrov said.
The council provides support to older people and people with disabilities and their carers through the Home and Community Centre program, funded by the Department of Human Services.
According to Ms Petrov, the respite care program provides services such as one to one at home, group respite activities and community outings.