CREATE Foundation

🌈 Speak up. Be you. Stand proud. This IDAHOBIT, we’re amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ young people with a care experience. Young people have told us they don’t always feel heard, affirmed or safe in care and that needs to change! CREATE is advocating for: - ways of working (inclusive service models) that are safe, inclusive and affirming - adults to respect young people and to be approachable and curious to build trust and rapport - young people to have their voices centred in decisions that affect their lives No young person should feel judged or unsafe for simply being who they are. 🌈 If you need support, reach out to a trusted friend or service: 📞 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 📞 QLife – 1800 184 527

Bestie, apply now 💅 Link in bio.

Information on your rights that actually makes sense! 🙌 All in Sortli 📲 Download for free on the App Store or Google Play. #SortliApp #GetSorted

CREATE Foundation calls for the Northern Territory Government to withdraw proposed amendments to child protection legislation that would weaken safeguards designed to keep Aboriginal children connected to Kin, culture and Country. The Government should work with the Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner, the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Aboriginal leaders and other experts to establish a Board of Inquiry as a matter of priority.

The 2026–27 Federal Budget includes important steps for children and young people with a care experience but there is still more work to do. CREATE Foundation welcomes investments in: 🏠 housing support for young people at risk of homelessness 🧡 early intervention and family support ✊ Closing the Gap initiatives and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations 🧠 early childhood and mental health supports But young people in care are still telling us: “If your case manager doesn’t do it [transition planning], it doesn’t happen.” Too many young people are leaving care without stable housing, consistent support, culturally safe services, or adults who continue to stand beside them after 18. We’ll continue advocating for: ⭐ TILA to be increased to $10,000 and indexed annually ⭐ nationally consistent transition from care supports to age 25 ⭐ stronger accountability on Closing the Gap ⭐ guaranteed mental health supports for children and young people in care ⭐ meaningful youth participation and co-design ⭐ and more Children and young people with lived experience are experts in their own lives. Their voices must shape the systems designed to support them. Read CREATE Foundation’s full 2026–27 Federal Budget response on our blog. create.org.au/blog

When is a consultation not really a consultation. An intro to Hart's ladder #youthadvocacy #advocacy #communityengagment

The 2026 CREATE Your Future Grant Scheme is now open to clubCREATE members aged 15-25. 🌟 A limited number of grants are available across four categories: Laptop, Education and Training, Clothing Voucher and White Goods. These grants are designed to remove barriers and empower young people to take control of their future with confidence. 💪 Learn more and apply through the link in our bio. Applications close Friday, 29 May at midnight AEST with grant recipients notified by 30 June.

Don't forget to apply for a position on our National Experience to Action Board (Youth) 📣 Members from each state and territory get to take their advocacy nationally while being paid for their time and contributions. Here's what our current members have said about their experiences on NEABY and their hopes for the next round of recruits: 🌟 "We have done some amazing work over the last two years and would love to see the next cohort continue our work." 🌟 "I'm so proud of the work we have done to create the Charter for Young Parents in Care." 🌟 "Was the best experience I ever had." Apply before 5pm AEST on Monday, 1 June: https://shorturl.at/HJGWt

Family connection is a right 💜 This National Families Week, we’re highlighting young people's rights to be connected to family, culture and community. CREATE advocates for placing siblings together where possible, meaningful contact, keeping young people informed and listening to, and honouring young people's wishes. Learn more about rights in care at create.org.au/rights

“Because you come from a tough background doesn't mean you can't do great things and achieve your goals.” 🌈 Patrice faced stigma and bullying while growing up in foster care, but she didn’t let that define her. Today, she’s a proud Aunty, a trusted pet sitter, and passionate about showing young people in care that a bright future is possible. "Be more supportive of children in care and don’t judge them because of where they have come from!" She's shared her story with us over at create.org.au/blog in the hopes that her story helps even one young person feel less alone. 💜 #SnapThatStigma #OutOfHomeCare #FosterCare

ACT, your voices are being heard 📣 Youth homelessness was centre stage this week in the ACT Legislative Assembly, with unanimous support across the political spectrum for action that recognises the unique challenges young people face and the need for coordinated solutions. 🏡 Priority groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and young people transitioning from care were specifically identified. 🙌 And your voices shaped the conversation! We were proud to contribute through the 'This Matters to Us' report, sharing young people’s voices and experiences out of CREATE's Youth Advisory Groups. Now, we watch this space 👀 Next step: passing the ACT Youth Homelessness Strategy and turning these commitments into real action 💪