Survey responses double in 2023 as more children in care share insights

• Nearly 1000 children and young people responded to the 2023 My Life in Care survey, almost double the number of responses received the previous year
• The survey found most children and young people in care in Queensland feel safe and secure
• For the first time, children aged 5 to 9 and young people requiring literacy support had the opportunity to take part in a separate survey

Most children and young people in care feel safe and secure where they live, according to the results of the latest My Life in Care survey.

The 2023 results reflect the views of children and young people on their experience of the care system and different aspects of their lives, such as their family and relationships.

For the first time, a separate short survey was made available to children aged 5 to 9 years and young people requiring literacy support.

The survey provides a valuable insight into what is working well for children in care and what needs to change to improve their lives.

The survey found 87 per cent of respondents aged 10 to 18 years feel loved and cared for by someone most times or always and 96 per cent said they have someone in their life they trust.

A high proportion (83 per cent) of children and young people aged 10 to 18 years said the family or people they live with are fairly or very important and special to them.

For children and young people aged 5 to 9 who responded to the survey, 85 per cent feel safe where they live now, and a high proportion (91 per cent) said they have a grown-up they can talk to when they’re scared or worried.

The survey also identified that young people wanted greater support and preparation in their transition to adulthood and that children and young people wanted more help with their education.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds also wanted greater efforts to connect them to culture.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Safety Charis Mullen:

“The latest My Life in Care survey results are now back, giving us an insight into the lives of children and young people in the child protection system.

“This survey is about listening to the voices of children in care and showing them that their experiences matter.

“The feedback is also invaluable as we continue to work our way through the Roadmap for Residential Care in Queensland, where our priority was to listen to the stories of children and young people who had experienced being in care.

“It is wonderful to hear so many children and young people feel happy and cared for where they are living, and that the majority also feel safe and secure.

“This is a wonderful testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved in the care system, including carers, child safety officers and sector workers who are so passionate about changing the trajectory for these children and young people.

“It’s clear that we must continue our efforts to improve outcomes for children in care, particularly in the areas of connection to culture, helping young adults prepare to exit the care system, and providing more support for children and young people in care with their education.

“Thank you to the almost 1000 children and young people who took the time to complete this survey, as well as the carers and caseworkers who supported them in this process.”

Further information:

• To view the survey results, visit www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/mylifeincaresurvey
  
• To read the Roadmap for Residential Care in Queensland, visit here.

ENDS

MEDIA: 0417 296 116