Care Bags for children in care

News story
Department of Communities staff are making a positive impact to the lives of children in care, putting together backpacks filled with essential items such as books, new clothing, toiletries and toys.
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Photo of Communities staff members Charlotte Newton and Rosanna Blake with their Care Bags for children in care.

Image: Communities staff members Charlotte Newton (left) and Rosanna Blake with their Care Bags for children in care.


The Care Bags are donated to Child Protection and Family Support offices across Western Australia and gifted to children entering their first days in care.

Culture Team adviser Rosanna Blake is involved in the initiative and said it was important for staff to get involved in opportunities that had a direct effect on communities.

"We've been building great relationships across divisions by getting involved in this project, but making a difference to these children within our communities who are having such a hard time is what it's all about," she said.

The team learned about Care Bags through their colleague Mel White, who has volunteered for Care Bags – because children in care matter and promoted the initiative across the department.

Mel said the impact of the initiative could not be underestimated.

"Children enter care with little more than the clothes they are wearing, and a Care Bag sends a strong, positive message: they matter, they are valued, and people care," she said.

"It also provides a great opportunity for staff to get to know each other outside their day-to-day role and contributes to a fantastic work culture.

"I'm so proud of everyone who has participate, and I would love to see a lot more people across the state get involved.

"We can make a difference for more kids in care."

If you would like to get involved building Care Bags, email hello@carebags.com.au.