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The Way We Care explores what care can look like when relationships, connection and belonging come first.

Relational care isn't just an idea. It's what happens when a child has adults who stay, who notice, who keep showing up , and who take the time to build trust.

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Learn from resources we've created or collected

  • What is relational care
    There are many definitions of relational practice, and different people bring different perspectives to what it means to be relational. Here's how we think about it, shaped by conversations across the care sector. 

  • What is a Child Connection System
    A proposal for what a practical alternative to the current child protection system could look like, with connection and relational care as the north star.  

  • Knowledge hub
    Resources for understanding and putting relational care into practice, including our language guide and the REAL self check tool. 

  • Stories
    Stories from people with lived experience about when relational care was done well, and when it wasn’t.  

  • Lived experience projects
    Recent projects, research and journal articles sharing the voices of children, young people and families with experience of the child protection and out-of-home care systems across Australia. 

 

Learn about our partners 

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Professional Individualised Care (PIC)
A therapeutic care provider delivering intensive, relationship based support for children and young people with complex needs.  

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BackTrack Youthworks
A youth program based in Armidale supporting young people doing it tough, through connection, work skills and a sense of belonging.  

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Australian Childhood Foundation
A national foundation providing therapeutic support, training and advocacy for children and families recovering from abuse, neglect and family violence. 

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Family Inclusion Strategies Hunter (FISH)
A Newcastle based group of parents and workers, many with lived experience, advocating for families to stay connected and included when children are in out of home care. A Newcastle based group of parents and workers, many with lived experience, advocating for families to stay connected and included when children are in out of home care. 

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CREATE Foundation
The national body representing children and young people with a care experience, giving them a voice in the systems that affect their lives. 

NEED SUPPORT?

The Way We Care explores experiences of childhood trauma, family separation and the out of home care system. We recognise that the film and the conversations around it may bring up difficult feelings or experiences.

Whether you have lived experience, support children and families, or work within the sector, support is available.

Access support here. 

 

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