They Talked to Me Like a Friend

National Child Protection Week (6-12 September) raises awareness across Australia to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

It's also a time to celebrate the dedicated Child Safety Practitioners who support vulnerable families and children every day.

In recognition of the week, we spoke with Olivia, a previous child in care about her care experience and the important role child safety practitioners played.

Olivia

Olivia entered the care system at 7 years old and was placed with two short term carers before settling into a long-term care arrangement with her current foster family.

Olivia said she remembers the support her case mangers provided in those early weeks and later as she was leaving care.

"All my case managers were amazing to me - during the car rides, during visitation, they would always talk to me, ask me about school and what I want to do in my future and what I'm doing this week or this weekend.”

"And they were really engaging. They talked to me like I was a friend. A major one that has stood out to me was Kayleigh. She was a person that I could really trust and share my experiences and feelings."

Kayleigh

Kayleigh is a Senior Child Safety Practitioner and was Olivia’s case manager at leaving care.

“I first met Olivia around November 2023 when she transferred from a different case manager and honestly, she was just so nice.

“My role was to give her leaving care support to prepare her for when she turns 18 and ages out of care. So that was getting all legal stuff set up, helping her get her driver's license, all that kind of thing. I'd also transport her to a couple of appointments.

“More than anything I saw my role as being someone friendly that she could talk to and be a listening ear because I think that's what a lot of the kids just want - someone to talk to. Olivia was able to open up to me really easily, which was great. And I was able to help her when she did open up. We got along really well. She's just such a beautiful soul.”

“I have been in child protection for about three and a half years now, and I chose it as something to do while I was studying. I've just kind of stayed because I really love it, and I really love helping the kids and making a difference for them,” she said.

Kayleigh said it was heartwarming to know that she had a positive impact on Olivia.

“On a personal level, it makes me feel so honoured that I could have been that person for her, and that I've been able to make that positive difference in her life.”

To learn more about National Child Protection Week visit National Child Protection Week - NAPCAN.