Breaking barriers to amplify the voices of young people in care and celebrate their achievements.
Image: Three young people sit on some stairs at a park, talking and smiling at each other.
As one of Australia’s largest providers of out-of-home care, we're proud of the resilience, growth and determination of the young people we support. Because every young person in care deserves the support to thrive and create their own future.
Creativity in action
Unmuted: Amplifying Youth Voices through the creative arts
As part of the 2025 South Australian Living Arts (SALA) Festival, a group of talented young people had their artwork showcased in the Unmuted: Amplifying Youth Voices Exhibition.
The exhibition provided a platform for young people to share their personal experiences using their creative talents, on their terms, at Australia’s largest visual arts festival.
"It's a space where we were really able to celebrate all that our young people have to offer." said Phi Theodoros, Lead Resident Artist - Living Arts.
Through photography, music, song writing, sculpture, painting, and film, the young people we support shared both their creative skills and their experiences in care.
"For the past 13 years I lived with my carers on Kangaroo Island, where I was surrounded by nature, which became my core inspiration with photography," said Keisha, one of the young artists.
"I enjoy photography because it lets the world see what the world is like through my eyes sometimes."
Image: Three individuals stand in front of a wall of photos at the exhibition looking at the photos captured by artist Keisha who is on the far right.
Jasper's animation, 'Colour My Garden' plays for thousands during South Australian Youth Week
During Life Without Barriers’ Living Arts holiday program, Jasper used his creative skills to share his story and unlocked new possibilities for his future.
Drawing on his own experiences as a young person in care, Jasper created the animation ‘Colour My Garden’.
"‘Colour My Garden’ is about a curious young girl and her cautious, but very caring, aunty and their journey to discover colour in an otherwise monochromatic world," said Jasper.
"Although they face challenges, they keep going on knowing that they have supports behind them, such as the wise old man."
As part of this year’s South Australian Youth Week, Jasper’s animation was one of two winning entries selected to be screened on the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Open-Air screen, reaching thousands every day.
"I'm still stoked, and I can't believe it," Jasper said.
"Living Arts has helped me to figure out the possibilities of what I can actually do."
Listening to lived experience
At Life Without Barriers, we understand the importance of listening to those with lived experience. One of the ways we do this is through our National Youth Advisory Groups (NYAG). These young people provide feedback on, and co-design, our services, helping to shape the care young people receive from us.
Real Lives, Real Voices: The Youth Advisory Panel at Building Caring Communities
Tara and Lara, Lived Experience Youth Participation Advocates with Life Without Barriers, took part in the Youth Advisory Panel at the Building Caring Communities Conference.
The panel brought together young people with lived experience in out-of-home care to share their insights on what truly constitutes caring support. With courage, honesty and clarity, each speaker described what it was truly like to grow up in the care system. They shared the painful moments, the people who made a difference and the urgent changes needed in our systems.
"I want to share my story in a way that hopefully creates positive change. I'm also hoping to advocate for more young people like us to be able to do this kind of thing, because I think the more young people we hear from, the better," Tara said.
Image: Youth Advisory Panel from the left; Olivia, Tim, Jack, Hannah, Lara and Tara are sitting on the stage speaking.
National Youth Advisory Group shapes the future of independence for young people in care
Our National Youth Advisory Group shared their insights in a series of workshops with the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) on how the Transition to Independent Living Allowance can better support young people leaving care.
Each workshop brought together 10 to 15 participants for up to 90 minutes of discussion, creating space for young people to reflect, share and build on one another’s ideas. The insights shared by the NYAG were analysed by AIFS and provided to the Department of Social Services, ensuring recommendations are informed directly by lived experience.
"Involving our National Youth Advisory Group, which includes 15 young people from across Australia aged between 15-25 who have had a care experience, to participate in this evaluation further embeds our commitment to have young people influence ‘big boss’ decisions," said Anthony Raitman, Executive Director, Strategy and Risk, Child, Youth and Family.
Image: Three young people gathered around a computer, looking and gesturing towards the screen.
Youth Participation Advocates join the Speak Up Program
Our Youth Participation Advocates, members of NYAG, joined the CREATE Foundation’s Speak Up (SUP) program, designed to build leadership, advocacy, and communication skills.
Across a series of engaging workshops, the group explored public speaking, systems advocacy, and strategic thinking, all tools that strengthen their ability to influence reform and provide a powerful foundation for their advocacy work.
"As a lived experience Youth Participation Advocate, it’s my job to help amplify the voices of children and young people in care, and understanding children’s rights is a big part of that," said Jasmine, Youth Participation Advocate.
Image: Three youth advocates sitting on stage. Jack, in the centre, is holding the microphone and speaking.
Academic success
Young people complete their school journey
Graduating from school is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated. It marks years of effort, determination and persistence through study, exams, friendships and personal growth.
Given the additional barriers many young people in care navigate, completing high school is a significant achievement, reflecting their strength and perseverance.
The graduates of 2025 achieved remarkable things, each following their own path to success. One student completed their studies while adjusting to a new community and learning to live more independently, showing courage and resilience through change. Another balanced school with part-time work, saving for their first car, and setting their sights on an apprenticeship. Others discovered passions in health, education, trades or arts.
Each of their journeys is a powerful reminder of what young people in care can achieve when supported to follow their dreams.
Image: A group of young people walking on the grounds of the University of Sydney.
Life Without Barriers remains committed to standing with young people, nurturing their growth, elevating their voices, and ensuring they have a say in the systems that affect their lives. Because when young people lead the way, the future of care becomes more equitable, hopeful, and full of possibility.
Together, we can create a better future or all young people in care. Share your support for World Care Day and join the conversation on social media with #BreakingBarriers #WorldCareDay #SnapThatStigma.
For more information and to get involved, visit the CREATE Foundation's website where you can find resources and take the pledge!
Now in its ninth year, World Care Day, celebrated on 20 February, recognises the experiences of children and young people in care. The day is about amplifying their voices, celebrating their achievements, and encouraging conversations about the unique challenges faced by many young people in care.
This year’s theme, 'Breaking Barriers,' celebrates the strength and creativity of young people in care and recognises their achievements. It also highlights the challenges they face, from stigma and discrimination to structural barriers in education, housing and health, and calls on communities, carers, services and governments to help remove the obstacles that limit their opportunities.
