Missing Children: Young people and residential 'care'

RMIT Social and Global Studies Centre Seminar marking International Youth Day 2021.

Young people in residential care have experienced hardship beyond what most can reconcile.
It is acknowledged that this group of young people are extremely vulnerable but also extremely resilient. We need to recognise that the experiences of young people in care demonstrate life maturity beyond their years. Simultaneously, extended time without support, safety and unconditional love impacts how we are able to navigate the world. Young people in care need responsive care that is caring, supportive and makes them feel genuinely cared for.

The Commission for Children and Young people have recently released their report into young people in residential care who go missing, ‘Out of Sight: Systemic inquiry into children and young people who are absent or missing from residential care’. This report details the risks that avail themselves to this group – such as exploitation and abuse. The Commission argue that ‘absconding’ needs to be reframed away from a behavioural problem of the young person, and replaced with an holistic approach that addresses why young people go missing.

In this panel discussion we look at these issues and consider how professionals and services can better respond to create a genuine system of care.

Speaker

  • Liana Buchanan, Commissioner for Children and Young People
  • Arry Valastro, Operations Manager, Frontyard Youth Services
  • Morgan Cataldo, Senior Manager – Youth Engagement, Berry Street
  • Y-Change Lived Experience Consultant, Berry Street

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.