CREATE Foundation acknowledges all the young people who spoke up to share their experiences and create change for others.
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington MP’s recent announcement that no more children or young people are living in alternative care arrangements (ACAs) in NSW is a hard-fought win by those who have spoken up about their experiences and the impacts of being placed in hotels, motels and caravan parks in the state, rather than loving homes.
This reform comes after numerous young people reported feeling unsafe, including CREATE Young Consultant Lachlan Hobman who described his experiences in NSW’s ACAs as having a traumatic impact on his life.
“Lachlan and the other children and young people who shared their experiences growing up in NSW’s ACAs have made history,“ CREATE CEO Imogen Edeson said. “They spoke up so that no other child or young person in NSW would have to go through what they did. I want to thank these young advocates for their courage.“
Edeson also thanks Washington for listening to the voices of lived experience experts and making their say a priority.
Washington’s announcement forms part of the much-needed reforms to NSW’s child protection system. It also demonstrates the power and influence of children and young people’s voices when meaningfully engaged and listened to by decision-makers.
“This is what true collaboration can look like. This is what’s possible when we listen to the people who know most about what’s working and what’s not – the children and young people who experience systems and services firsthand,” Edeson added.
CREATE helps amplify young voices to enable the government to hear and respond to the insights and priorities of those who have lived in care. The foundation also advocates for care models promoting therapeutic, trauma-informed, relational and holistic responses to children and young people, coupled with further investment in early intervention, family preservation and reunification programs.
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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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