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#SnapthatStigma

As part of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, CREATE wants to make sure that the diversity of children and young people is respected throughout their care experiences.  We want children, young people, teachers, carers, caseworkers and everyone else in our community to realise that there is no such thing as a ‘typical foster kid’.  Children and young people with a care experience are all unique,  but they can face discrimination and stigma in many forms.
CREATE wants to #SnapthatStigma and change the pre-conceived views that people may have about children and young people with a care experience. At CREATE, we are passionate about the strength and unique talents of children and young people around Australia and believe in supporting all young people to reach their full potential. It all starts with believing that children and young people are more than just their care experience.
Read our position paper

Hear their voices

Ruby

"Don’t be afraid to fight for what you want to do in life, live a life that allows you to thrive not just survive. Your voice is powerful, never forget that."

Tayla

"I always managed to pick myself back up. Even when it felt impossible."

Emmarita

“In my artwork I use such bright colours to encourage positivity in people’s lives.”

Cheyenne

“I have just got into contact with my sister again and we talk 3 times a week. She has kids like I do, which has brought us together.”

Kareema

"My experience made me want to make sure that other children in care got everything they desired and more."

Sonja

"I was put in that box of “she’s trouble” and “she’s too much”

Brittany

"If you can dream it, you can do it”

Miriel

"My biggest thing with child protection in general is just how hidden the whole thing is – when you don’t give people answers or images then people run wild"

Nakita

"Dance has always been my saviour and allowed me to express myself"

Jesse

"I think that the stigma around foster kids means that I feel like I have to continuously prove myself"

Jemma

"Take peoples negativity and turn it into a positive! Don’t let people belittle you! You are capable of great things just as much as any other person!"

Jackie

"I am proud of what I have made for myself, despite being told numerous times that this life and career were simply dreams too big for someone like me"

Wade

"I was bullied because I was in foster care and people just made fun of the fact that I was a foster kid. I really felt like I was getting eaten up inside"

Maryanne

"Don’t stop striving to become the person you want to be... If you want to do something with your life – go for it"

Tasha

"I am most proud of the person I am today and all that I have been able to achieve both in my studies and my ability to engage in the community around me"

Carlatina

"Last year I didn’t think I was going to pass my diploma at TAFE but I did... I proved people wrong."

Shannieka

"I feel like once the media gets wind of Aboriginal kids and young people in care, any experience or event that went on, the media go all out on it"

Mariah

Competing against some of the best gymnasts from around Australia, Mariah performed a brilliant beam routine and came away with the individual Gold medal for beam

Elloise

"My care experience is a part of my identity but it does not define me"

Do you know a young person with a care experience achieving amazing things?
Help CREATE Snap that Stigma and share a positive story over social media, just hashtag #SnapthatStigma or email marketing@create.org.au

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This website was built in consultation with children and young people with a care experience. Thank you to all the young people involved in providing feedback and sharing your insights throughout this process.

CREATE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of lands across Australia. We pay respects to Traditional Owners and Elders, past and present. We celebrate culture and community and we celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

CREATE Foundation

National Office – Sydney
Suite 6.01, Level 6, 80 George St
PARRAMATTA NSW 2150

Phone: (02) 9267 1999

Email: create@create.org.au

ABN 69 088 075 058