More than their circumstances: young people in care building futures
Children in care are among the most vulnerable children in our community. They may have experienced significant disruption, grief or instability. But those experiences do not define who they are or what they can achieve.
Every young person has interests, strengths and aspirations. Care should provide not only safety, but also belonging, encouragement and opportunities to participate in everyday community life.
*Jay takes on a new challenge
After significant change in his young life, *Jay has found stability with his current carer and care team and taken on a new challenge through the Australian Navy Cadets. He received his uniform, attended his first camp and joined an Anzac Day march.
The cadets program is giving Jay opportunities to explore responsibility, maritime skills, teamwork and leadership. Away from cadets, he enjoys football, puzzles and mastering the Rubik's Cube.
*Ava builds confidence in the community
*Ava, a young person in care, recently participated in a youth-led community market. She spoke with customers, sold merchandise and helped with recycling activities. By the end of the evening, she was proud of what she had achieved and wanted to return.
Ava has also volunteered in an animal care setting, building on her interest in animals and expanding her ideas about future employment. These experiences are supporting her confidence, independence and sense of contribution.
Sport, learning and new possibilities
Another young person supported by our care team was selected as one of 3 participants to attend an Indigenous tennis and learning carnival in Perth. The experience brought together sport, culture and education, including tennis activities, science learning and visits beyond the classroom.
The young person regularly represents the Northern Territory in interstate sport and is approaching completion of Year 12. The selection recognised sustained commitment, talent and determination.
*Noah takes a step towards independence
After losing his mother and facing the risk of homelessness, *Noah needed people who would stay beside him. His case manager worked with housing and community partners to advocate, coordinate services and create a pathway towards stable accommodation.
Through sustained engagement with an intensive youth accommodation service, Noah developed independent living skills and demonstrated readiness for long-term housing. He has now been allocated a home.
A safe home provides a foundation from which a young person can plan, participate and build a future. Support should not end when a young person leaves care.
Safety, stability and opportunity
These milestones belong to the young people. They also show the difference carers, practitioners and partners can make by providing consistent support and access to meaningful opportunities.
Young people in care deserve to be recognised for their strengths, not reduced to their circumstances. They deserve the same chance as every young person to learn, connect, contribute and imagine what comes next.
*Names changed for privacy.
