The child protection and out-of-home care system affects thousands of young people, parents, carers and workers across Australia. But behind every case file, every policy decision, every placement, there are real people with real lives. People who know what it feels like when the system gets it right. And what it costs when it gets it wrong.
Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool for advocating change. It moves people to feel something and motivates them to take action. At the CRC, we listen deeply and collaborate with care to share stories from young people, foster and kin carers, parents and families, workers and leaders across the out-of-home care space, told in their own words and grounded in their lived experience.
These stories invite us all to reflect on what becomes possible when relationships are prioritised and also what happens when they are not. They help create richer conversations about what the current system incentivises, and what it could look and feel like if relational care was placed at the centre of an alternative Child Connection System, one that creates safety, belonging and healing through stable, trusted and meaningful relationships.
Humans of Care Stories
Humans of Care is a collection of stories we share on LinkedIn by people we have talked with and who want to use their voice for change. Young people who have grown up in care. Parents who have had children removed. Foster carers navigating policies that don't always make sense. Workers trying to do good work within structures that often get in the way.
These stories capture what the care system feels like from the inside – the human moments that helped and the bureaucratic moments that didn’t. While every story holds many layers, histories and perspectives, we intentionally share them as personal accounts – the small interactions, decisions and encounters that stay with people. It is these felt experiences of care and the system that shapes lives deeply.
Read an article here that draws together key insights from our first round of ‘Humans of Care’ stories. It explores emerging themes: how rigid policies isolate rather than protect, how judgement from the system undermines parents and carers, why young people need permission to simply be kids, and how good work often requires workers to push back against the systems they operate within.
This is a collection of longer stories that were shared with us. We're grateful to everyone who trusts us with their stories. Your courage in sharing something so personal makes our work richer, more possible and urgent.
Sharing your story with us does not mean it has to be made public. You are welcome to share simply to have your voice heard. We believe in the power of storytelling to influence policy and advocacy, and we believe equally in care and respect for the storyteller. When you share a story with us, we will keep it safe and secure. We will reach out to obtain your consent if you would like it to reach a wider audience and discuss with you how it could be shared. We will never share your story without your consent. Providing consent is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw it at any time.
We deeply appreciate what it takes to share and read stories. Whether you are submitting a story for this page, or reading those of others, it is important to look after yourself in the process. If you feel distressed or would like some support after submitting or reading a story, we encourage you to reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. This service is available 24 hours a day.
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