This is National Child Protection Week which aims to engage and educate Australians to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The week also provides an opportunity to highlight the vital work child safety practitioners do every day to support at-risk children and families.
In recognition of the week, we spoke with Anna, a previous child in care and her case manager Donna Thompson.
Anna entered care at the age of eight years old soon after moving to Australia from Tanzania.
As a young child in a foreign country, moving into the care system was frightening but Anna said she immediately felt safe around Donna, her case manager.
“I think having a case manager that has a good connection is vital,” said Anna. “These children are experiencing challenges beyond a lot of people’s imagination.”
Anna recalls the emotional support that Donna provided during this period.
“I just remember knowing that even in my lowest points Donna always reassured me and she always had faith in me.”
Anna is currently studying to become a registered paramedic which she said has been made possible thanks to the continual support of her leaving care team and previous case managers.
“Donna has probably had the most profound impact on my life. She’s been there from the start. She’s seen me grow, she’s seen me go through ups and downs and she’s seen me pick myself back up. She been there all the way through it. I don’t think there is anyone else on this planet who has done that,” she said.
Now, ten years later, Anna and Donna remain good friends.
“Despite everything, Anna has become this amazing strong, incredible woman and I honestly feel very honoured to have known her and worked with her,” said Donna.
“I just love her. She’s a beautiful human being and I think life without her would be very sad.”
View the video of Anna and Donna:
This year for National Child Protection Week NAPCAN continues to champion the message ‘Every conversation matters.’ In 2025, it is complemented with the theme ‘Shifting Conversation to Action.’
To learn more about National Child Protection Week visit NAPCAN's National Child Protection Week website
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