World Care Day is not just a day of celebration but a beacon of hope for many children and young people who have experienced life in care. CREATE is amplifying its focus on the crucial ‘journey of care’ experienced by these young individuals. It’s an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, challenges and the support we can give to help them thrive.
Understanding the crucial phases for children and young people in care is important. The journey is marked by pivotal stages that shape their experiences and perceptions. From the initial entry into care, which can be fraught with uncertainty and upheaval, to the challenges of adjusting to new caseworkers, placements and environments, each phase presents its unique set of obstacles and opportunities.
At the heart of World Care Day is the commitment to listen to the voices of children and young people who have experienced life in care. Their insights and experiences provide invaluable guidance in identifying areas where our support systems can be strengthened.
Through listening, surveys and ongoing dialogue, we can gain insights into the challenges they face and the support they require. During a recent catch-up, we asked some of our youth consults about their experiences in foster care. Whilst it is uplifting to hear responses such as “When the workers are with you, they are really with you” and “I feel connected to workers even though they haven’t been around long”, we know that some out there might not have such responses, and it is our job to find them and listen.
As we mark World Care Day, it’s essential to channel our collective efforts towards building a brighter future for young people in care. By supporting them in “being able to travel overseas” or “spending time with them in the office”, as two of our youth consults stated they have experienced, we can allow them to feel heard and, even more so, valued.
Focusing on their needs and experiences can drive meaningful change in our support systems, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the diverse and evolving needs of those they serve. This includes advocating for policy reforms, increasing funding for support services, expanding access to educational and vocational opportunities, and prioritising mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
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OzChild acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We acknowledge their cultures are living ones, which relate to their ongoing connection to all things living and non-living on land, sea and sky.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
May the children of today lead us to a brighter tomorrow.
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