7 September 2015 | General Interest
The Youth for Change conference is just around the corner, running at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 2-4 October 2015.
The Youth for Change: creating a better future conference provides an international forum for young people with a care experience to learn and grow, build self-confidence, and to connect with their peers and those working within the system.
Hosted by CREATE Foundation, the peak consumer body representing the voices of children and young people in out-of-home care, the conference is open to all children and young people in care in Australia while also being appealing for carers, government officials and those working in the sector.
The conference program includes a range of engaging and interactive sessions over the three days, including a presentation from SNAICC Deputy Chairperson Sue Anne Hunter: Supporting cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.
Connections to culture, family, community and land are vitally important to the wellbeing and positive self-identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Efforts to build and maintain these connections for children in out-of-home care contribute positively to healing for whole communities impacted by the experiences of the Stolen Generations.
In this workshop we will explore why these connections are so important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and what we can all contribute to help keep them strong. We’ll share some examples of quality cultural care planning and support from around the country and discuss barriers that are preventing consistent, quality cultural care. Participants will be invited to share their perspectives on the importance of cultural connections for children in out-of-home care, and to workshop strategies to support more meaningful, genuine and ongoing connections for kids.
