CREATE Foundation National Office,
Level 6, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Ph (02) 9267 1999 or 1800 655 105
www.create.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE

NATIONAL SUMMIT: KIDSVOICES FOR CHANGE ARE HEARD!

February 20-22, 2010, CREATE Foundation will proudly host the 2nd National Youth Advisory Council Summit, a forum for young people with an out-of-home care experience (i.e. foster, residential, kinship care) to have a voice and be heard by key decision makers. 24 Young Delegates representing every state and territory will come together for 3 days of workshops, activities and fun.

Last year the Rudd Government formally apologised to The Forgotten Australians highlighting the Government’s intention to ensure these atrocities are never repeated. The issues faced by The Forgotten Australians have not disappeared, but one positive change is that today organisations like CREATE Foundation work to ensure kids growing up in care have a voice and are heard.

This year’s summit theme is voices for change and illustrates the consultative approach taken towards ‘hearing’ young people’s views on their care experiences, the issues they face and how the system can be improved. Young people attending will discuss the achievements in their respective states, and the issues facing kids in care with the aim of identifying potential solutions.

In Australia today, over 34,000 children and young people live in out-of-home care (i.e. foster, residential, kinship care) increasing by 10% every year. Through no fault of their own, children and young people may be placed in care due to neglect or abuse and are more likely to be undereducated, homeless, become a parent at a younger age, or be involved in the Juvenile Justice system.

CREATE Foundation is the peak body representing the voices of all kids in out-of-home care. CREATE is also one of a handful of organisations globally and the only one of its kind in Australia expressly established to advocate on behalf of children and young people in care.

During the inaugural summit managed by CREATE in 2009, young people and delegates from around the country identified key issues affecting kids in care. At the 2010 Summit the key themes the young delegates will be discussing are:
1. Transitioning from Care
2. Education
3. Participation in decision making (case plans)
4. Birth family contact and sibling placements
5. Quality contact with case workers and high work turnover.

During last year’s summit young people also identified the many barriers to obtaining their driver’s license. Following the summit, NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney announced funding of $30,000 to help young people with a care experience obtain their Drivers Licence. During 2010 the grants will be available to eligible young people enabling an opportunity to obtain their Drivers Licence.

Jacqui Reed commented that although Government has clearly shown its support for improving the lives of young people in out-of-home-care Government must continue to follow through and work with organisations like CREATE to deliver on the promises.

Over 63%1 of young people transitioning from care do not have a Leaving Care Plan developed for them. A recently launched CREATE campaign is focused on informing young people of their entitlements and how to go about getting a Leaving Care plan. The campaign entitled “What’s the plan?” is a collaborative effort between State and Territory Governments, carers and non-government organisations. CREATE’s Leaving Care planning tool will provide information in the following areas:
a. What is a Leaving Care Plan
b. Why is a plan necessary
c. How to access a Leaving Care Plan
d. Whose responsibility is it to develop the plan
e. Local departmental and agency contacts tailored to each State and Territory

This weekend’s Summit culminates in a conference dinner with key decision makers including Federal and State Ministers, child protection agencies, statutory authorities, and CREATE’s corporate partners and Board of Directors. Internationally renowned Tenor, Stephen Smith recently spoke on the ABC TV 7.30 report about his experiences of being in foster care and of life on the streets before he achieved his true potential. Stephen will share his inspiring story during his address at the summit dinner.

Julie McCrossin, journalist and broadcaster has been involved in health and child protection for many years. Ms McCrossin will host the Summit’s formal dinner states:

“Congratulations to CREATE for giving a voice to young people who’ve been in foster and residential care. This is my second chance to MC a Summit of these resilient young adults who’ve faced the toughest challenge a child can face: parents who abuse or neglect. Their personal stories are inspiring, but they also challenge us to improve their opportunities for a stable home, a good education, timely health and dental care and, most important of all, a loving adult to watch out for them. I look forward to learning more at the 2010 Summit!”

CREATE Foundation works closely with Federal and State Government across the country to develop and offer programs and support for children and young people in out-of-home-care.

For information on CREATE Foundation or to learn more about the National Youth Advisory Council Summit (February 20-22, 2010) phone 1800 655105 or visit www.create.org.au

media enquiries Leigh White | 0431 932 122 | leigh@whitemarketing.com.au

List of References:
1 CREATE Report Card 2009: Transitioning from care – Tracking progress, Dr Joseph J. McDowall, 2009. CREATE Foundation.