- The My Life in Care survey found most children and young people in care in Queensland feel safe and secure in care and are generally happy with their life.
- Children and young people in care identified they need assistance with schooling, mental health, and transitioning to adulthood.
Most children and young people in care feel safe and secure and are generally happy with their life, new findings show.
The Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services today released the findings of the My Life in Care survey.
It is a snapshot of the views of children and young people about their experience of the care system and different aspects of their lives, such as family and relationships.
More than 500 children and young people in care aged 10 to 18 completed the survey in late 2022.
It offers a valuable insight into what is working well for children in care, and what needs to change to improve their lives.
The survey found 88% of children in care felt safe and secure in care, with 70% reporting high levels of happiness.
More than three out of four (78%) children and young people reported feeling the people where they live now care about them.
Positively, a high proportion of children reported they had someone in their life that they trusted (94%) and felt loved and cared for by someone (83%).
Almost 75% of children had seen a dentist in the last year and felt included in decisions about their health care and schooling.
A significant proportion (68%) of children and young people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds reported they could follow their culture where they lived.
The survey also identified areas that needed greater focus, including help with schooling, mental health, and assistance with transitioning to adulthood.
The department plans to conduct the My Life in Care Survey again this year.
Quotes attributable to Child Safety Minister Craig Crawford:
“This survey gives us extraordinary insight into the lives of children and young people in the child protection system in Queensland.
“It is about amplifying the voices of children in care and showing them that we are listening, that their experiences matter, and their insights will help create a better child safety sector for all.
“Clearly, we must continue our efforts to improve outcomes for children in care, particularly in areas of education, physical and mental health, and transitioning to adulthood.
“It is heartening to see that so many children feel supported and cared for during what can be an extremely difficult time and it is a testament to their resilience and strength.
“It also shows the dedication of all the carers, caseworkers and support staff who work to provide the best possible care.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Family and Child Commission Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford:
“The only way we can improve the system is by listening to the voices of those most impacted by it – children, young people and their families.
“This survey gathers critical information that can influence positive change and improve the lives of children and young people in care, and I encourage the department to continue canvassing their views.
“The QFCC assisted children with a care experience to design some of the questions included in the survey, which allowed government to measure what matters most to a child in care.
“Release of this report ensures accountability and transparency, which is key to driving systemic improvements.
“Queensland children have told us how they feel and what they need; we must now listen to them and act.”
Quotes attributable to PeakCare Qld Executive Director, Tom Allsop:
“The My Life in Care Survey shows a genuine commitment by the Queensland Government to placing the voice and experience of children and young people in care at the centre of improving the child protection system.
“Behind every positive story in the survey results are dedicated carers, families, child safety officers and youth workers who turn up every day to help keep children and young people safe, supported and loved. Behind every issue raised is an opportunity to make things better for children and young people in care.
“While listening to the voice and experience of children and young people in care is important, it is how we now act on what they have told us that shows each and every child and young person in care that their voice really matters.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Foster and Kinship Care Executive Director, Bryan Smith:
“Without our Foster and Kinship Carer families we would not have an environment for children to be nurtured and grow in such a positive way.
“The survey indicates that we do have to engage other government departments such as, Education, Health and Training to ensure that supports are not only available but also provided in a timely way.
“We have amazingly resilient and strong children and young people and the survey indicates that they feel supported to grow and learn in loving and caring environments.
“What we need to do is continue to enhance everything we do to make their experiences even better.”
Quotes attributable to Child Safety Acting Team Leader Ashlii Lynch:
“Growing up, I was a child in care, and that experience has shown me just how important it is to involve kids in conversation.
“I want to hear what the kids need and develop positive relationships with them and their families to support change.
“It is great to see so many children and young people with a lived experience of the child protection system taking part in this survey, telling us about their experiences.
“When I was a child in care we weren’t often asked for our opinions, and it’s wonderful to see that is changing and that we are listening to them.”
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