'A ground to grow from': Supporting Quality Engagement with Children

The Australian Human Rights Commission Supporting Quality Engagement with Children consultation project was a 3-year project aimed to include the voices of children and young people in policies and services that directly affect them. The second year of consultations were reported in 2024 and focused on informing the Australian Government’s review of the National Standards for out-of-home care, part of the Safe and Supported: First Action Plan 2023-2026.

The report, 'A ground to grow from', details the findings from consultations with over 500 children and young people across all Australian jurisdictions, including metropolitan, regional and remote locations. It explores what children and young people need to develop their identity and a positive sense of self. The views of these children will help to improve the lives of all children, especially children who are growing up in out-of-home care.

Children and young people from diverse backgrounds took part, including:

• First Nations children and young people

• children and young people living with disability

• culturally and linguistically diverse children and young people

• those with lived experiences of out-of-home care

The report contains 8 recommendations that would centre the experiences and views of children in the development of policies related to out-of-home care as well as other policies affecting children and young people.

Key findings include:

• Children and young people need a meaningful sense of belonging and identity so they can feel safe and thrive in out-of-home care environments.

• Having a positive sense of self, as well as strong personal and cultural connections, are vital for young people to have a quality experience of out-of-home care as well as improve the benefits of health, education and social services.

• Young people highly value opportunities to have their voices heard and help shape their experience of out-of-home care.